Curtin University’s Dean of Global Futures Professor Farida Fozdar has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to sociology and social inclusion research, being elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA).
The Academy brings together more than 700 of Australia’s leading researchers across the social sciences, with an ASSA Fellowship acknowledging a sustained and internationally distinguished contribution and representing one of the nation’s highest honours in the field.
Professor Fozdar, whose work explores migration, identity, nationalism and belonging, said she was humbled by the recognition.
“Being a female academic who came to academia after a decade spent mothering, I have my fair share of imposter syndrome,” Professor Fozdar said.
“The Fellowship is an acknowledgement of the years of juggling and of the support of family and colleagues along the way.
“I’m honoured and humbled to be in such illustrious company.”
As a child of migrants, Professor Fozdar said her early experiences inspired her focus on social justice and inclusion.
“I wanted to understand how power and inequality work — and how we can make small, meaningful changes with communities and policymakers to improve people’s lives,” she said.
“Sociology gave me the tools to do that.”
Professor Fozdar’s research has shaped national conversations on migration, race relations and belonging.
Among her most notable work are studies on migrant settlement, social inclusion and Australian and global citizenship, plus widely cited research which found a link between people displaying Australian flags on their cars for Australia Day and exclusionary nationalism.
In her current role as Dean, Global Futures, in Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities, Professor Fozdar leads innovative teaching opportunities on global challenges and mentors emerging researchers, while undertaking projects such as studies of African Australians’ contributions to Australia’s political and economic spheres and the impacts of policy on Muslim Australians.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Professor Fozdar on the prestigious honour.
“Professor Fozdar exemplifies Curtin’s commitment to research that challenges inequality and builds a more inclusive world,” Professor Hayne said.
“Her election to the Academy recognises her leadership in sociology and her impact on communities here in Australia and beyond.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement.”
Professor Fozdar will be formally recognised at the Academy’s 2025 New Fellows Presentations and ASSA Gala Dinner in Sydney next month.
