Professor Ward brings with him a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant (2026–2031) for his project, GLOMoL: A Global study of the macro- and individual-level causes and consequences of loneliness. Alongside this international research program, Professor Ward contributes over 10 years of expertise in advanced quantitative methodologies, social inequality, and the social determinants of health.
This new position will further bolster the Department's growth by supporting the creation of several new roles – including fully funded PhD studentships and postdoctoral researchers – and will foster the development of an extensive international network of social researchers.
Project Summary
Loneliness is recognised as an important public health concern around the world. Not only is loneliness bad for people's physical and mental health it is also bad for societies being linked to lower levels of civic, political, and social participation.
An interesting feature of loneliness when viewed from a global perspective is that the extent of the issue varies greatly between countries and populations. While at the level of individuals, we know many of the risk factors for loneliness – including social isolation and living alone – we do not fully understand the role of more upstream factors in explaining why individuals in particular countries are more or less likely to experience loneliness.
By bringing together data from over 30 countries and a quarter of a million individuals, GLOMol will explore the reasons for these international differences in loneliness. Study findings will identify the cultural, economic, political and social factors that can be leveraged to protect individuals and societies against the worst effects of loneliness.
Speaking of his appointment, Professor Ward commented:
“I am thrilled to be appointed Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department in Sociology, in the School of Social Science and Philosophy. This position provides the perfect setting for me and the GLOMoL team to deliver my ambitious ERC consolidator award. Through teaching, supervision, and international collaboration, I have a unique opportunity to provide leadership in research-led teaching and position the GLOMoL team — and the University — as world leaders in loneliness research".
We look forward to collaborating with Professor Ward in the Department of Sociology.