Unanimous vote awards honorary doctorate

The University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, has awarded Professor Brian Littlechild an honorary doctorate (Dr Honora Causa) in recognition of his contribution to social work education and research, particularly to the European Research Institute for Social Work (ERIS), which is based at the University.

Professor Littlechild has been a consultant to the Council of Europe, UNICEF and UK Parliamentary Committees on young offenders. He has carried out 18 qualitative and mixed methods research projects. He has been widely published, writing 28 refereed articles and contributing to 37 books, and he has presented 41 papers at conferences.

Commenting on receiving his award, Brian said: "I am very honoured to be awarded the Dr Honora Causa as only one can potentially be awarded by the University's Academic Board each year, and only 15 have been awarded by the University altogether. My work with our own UH, the University of Ostrava and ERIS is at the forefront of developing social work research capacity across Europe, using the excellent expertise and commitment in each partner university to collaborate on such research. We have been very productive in making research bids, publishing social work research books, coordinating an annual European wide conference on social work research, publishing an ERIS Web Journal, organizing an annual Spring School for our Masters and PhD candidates, and setting up a Dissertation and PhD databank."

In 2014 ERIS has published two innovative edited books on Social Work Research Across Europe: Methodological Positions and Research Practice (Part I and Part II).

ERIS recently submitted a new bid to the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme SOLID©ITY. The bid proposed examining means of developing innovative, dynamic and cohesive cities with high solidarity, by measuring, analyzing and identifying innovative policies and practices in different European countries.

At the ceremony on Wednesday 19 November - held in the University of Ostrava's ceremonial hall - Brian received his honorary degree alongside 4 successful candidates for assistant professorships.

Updated: 18. 11. 2022