Iain Wilkinson

Professor Iain Wilkinson is a Professor of Sociology and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Kent, leading civic missions on food rights and sanctuary. He holds roles in the School of Social Sciences, focusing on social suffering, humanitarianism, and sociology's ethical responsibilities. His research bridges sociological theory with practices of social care, emphasizing historical contexts like the Enlightenment's impact on sociology. He has held visiting roles at Harvard, Monash, and Navarra universities.

• Professional Activities:
  • Member of editorial boards for journals like Health Risk & Society and Sociology.
  • Assessed research councils in Norway, Ireland, and the UK.
• Research Interests: Modern humanitarianism, social suffering, compassion politics, medical sociology, and sociological theory.
• Civic Contributions: Oversees University of Kent's teach-out programs and Right to Food initiatives.

His work critiques societal responses to suffering, integrating caregiving into sociological inquiry. Recent publications explore doctor-patient dynamics, Marx's bicentennial legacy, and the evolving ethics of humanitarianism.