Ludi Simpson

Ludi Simpson is an Honorary Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research at the University of Manchester, and also holds an honorary position at the University of St Andrews since February 2017. Her career at Manchester includes Professor of Population Studies (2008-present, honorary), Professor of Population Studies (2003-2008), and part-time Lecturer and Research Fellow (1992-2003). Previously, she worked with Bradford and Calderdale Councils and Sheffield Polytechnic Centre from 1981-2003 on census and demographic analysis within local planning.

Professor Simpson's research focuses on demographic projections and modeling for small areas in the UK and Scotland, with significant contributions through the POPGROUP demographic software developed since 1999. She has conducted extensive research on subnational demographic trends in Latin America, supported by a British Academy award (2015-2018), and has made important contributions to understanding ethnic identities and inequalities in Britain through the 'Dynamics of Diversity' project. Her work examines census practice, race and statistics, and the creation of population statistics for sub-national areas, with particular attention to how demographic data informs policy decisions regarding government, authority, democracy, and material needs.

Analysis of Simpson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on demographic methodology, population projection accuracy, ethnic minority demographics, and subnational demographic trends across different regions. Her work effectively bridges academic research with practical applications for local planning and policy development, demonstrating how demographic forecasting can address real-world challenges in housing, labor force planning, and community development.

• British Academy International Partnership and Mobility award 2015-2018 (for research on subnational demographic trends in Latin America)

Professor Simpson has made critical interventions in public and policy debates on race, segregation, and diversity, often collaborating with Nissa Finney. Her demographic projection research has significantly impacted sub-national planning across technological, economic, legal, and societal dimensions. She provides research and advisory services for academic and government projects, with expertise that directly informs local authority planning processes and census methodologies. Her work with the Local Authorities Research and Intelligence Association and representation of local authorities to central government in the CLIP population statistics group demonstrates her longstanding commitment to practical demographic applications.

Professor Simpson maintains active involvement with the POPGROUP demographic software project and collaborates internationally with researchers in Latin America (Leandro Gonzalez, Brenda Yepez) and Australia (Tom Wilson), reflecting an extensive global research network focused on demographic methodology and application.