Professor Mark Walters

Mark Walters, Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology and Deputy Head of Sussex Law School, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. Academy Fellows’ expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research addresses some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies. All Academy Fellows are selected through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact, including their wider contributions to social sciences for public benefit.

Professor Walters’ work focuses on how the criminal law, and more broadly the criminal justice system, can be most effectively used to address the causes and consequences of hate crime. He is passionate about translating academic research into real world societal benefits. Mark co-established the International Network for Hate Studies over 10 years ago in order to form closer connections between academia, policy makers, justice practitioners and civil society.

The network has brought him into contact with many amazing organisations all over the world that work tirelessly to tackle the harms of hate crime and hate speech. Mark is particularly proud of his recent work with the Seychelles Government, serving as draftsperson of their new Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2024, which, when passed will be the country’s first piece of legislation aimed at tackling hate crime.

Mark said: “I am honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, where I join an esteemed group of scholars and experts who are working hard to improve the world we live in. I will use my position as Fellow to promote the important work of social scientists in addressing the causes and impacts of prejudice and hatred in society, including how the law can be better used to prevent hate-based criminality.”

Jo Moran-Ellis, Head of the School of Law, Politics and Sociology said: “I am delighted for Mark that his contribution to criminal law and criminology has been recognised in this way. His work over the last decade since he co-founded the International Network for Hate Studies has translated academic study into tangible benefits for societies and people oppressed by hate around the world. He will make an excellent addition to the Academy and we in the School are very proud of him.”

Read more about Mark’s research on hate crime and its impacts.