ESS director to receive international prize

The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) has announced that European Social Survey Director, Professor Rory Fitzgerald, will be the latest recipient of their International SAS Prize.

The Prize is awarded to a foreign national as a special expression of recognition for excellent work in connection with Slovakia, in one of the following fields: social sciences and culture, natural sciences and technical sciences.

Professor Fitzgerald was awarded the prize in the area of social sciences and culture.

The Scientific Council of SAS cited Professor Fitzgerald’s role in helping the Slovak Republic to become a full member of the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) in 2018.

Slovakia participated in rounds 2-6 (2004-13) of the European Social Survey (ESS), when the project was entirely funded by the European Commission.

When the ESS became an ERIC in 2013, the new funding model required government ministries to fund their own country’s participation.

Together with the national coordination team led by Denisa Fedáková, Michal Kentoš and Jozef Výrost, Professor Fitzgerald was instrumental in negotiations with the the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.

Countries with full membership of the ESS ERIC commit to participation in at least two rounds (four years) and are given full voting rights on the General Assembly.

Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences SAS Director, Denisa Fedáková, said:

“Professor Fitzgerald played an important role in negotiations to ensure the continuity of the ESS project in Slovakia.

“Without his tireless efforts and activities, Slovakia's participation in this top international social survey would have been significantly limited.”

I am extremely grateful to be selected for this prestigious award. It’s a huge honour personally and a testament to all the people across Europe who have contributed to the success of the ESS.
Professor Fitzgerald ESS Director

Professor Fitzgerald added:

“I am extremely grateful to be selected for this prestigious award. It’s a huge honour personally and a testament to all the people across Europe who have contributed to the success of the ESS.

“I also thank the Slovak national team for their hard work and professionalism over the past 20 years in delivering the data on time and to a high standard.”

A presentation of the award will take place in a special ceremony being held in the Hall of Mirrors of the Primate’s Palace in Bratislava next month.