The last major role I had at Durham University was as the social science director of the Institute of Advanced Study. I was very sorry to have to give this up when I moved to the University of Warwick. I’m therefore delighted to have been asked to join the Advisory Council of the IAS, along with some very eminent names. This will give me a strong link back to a remarkable academic institution – a place where thinking and genuinely interdisciplinary work are made possible and warmly welcomed.