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Professor of Political Science, University of the West of Scotland

Murray Leith is Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre for Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship and Identity at University of the West of Scotland. His work and interests focus on several aspects of Scottish and British politics, Scottish nationalism, national identity, the Scottish Diaspora, independence and Union. He is usually working on research involving nationalism, national identity, diaspora and belonging, and is currently researching around the Scottish Diaspora, as well as other aspects of contemporary Scottish politics and wider society.

His most recent projects involved research considering how the Scottish Govt might connect with the worldwide Scottish diaspora, community based research involving military veterans, creating an online game considering national and European identity, and any number of research projects around consideration of the Scottish diaspora and how it connects and engages with Scottish politics and society (and vice versa).

In 2020, Manchester University Press published his most recent book 'Scotland: The New State of an Old Nation' a co-authored, wider look at contemporary Scotland. His most recent articles consider the Scottish Diaspora, issues around Scottish identity and belonging, voting rights, and return migration to Scotland, post Brexit.

He is the proud parent of a grown up daughter, and a slightly younger potted plant.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Professor of Political Science, University of the West of Scotland
  • 2016–2018
    Reader, University of the West of Scotland
  • 2012–2016
    Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of the West of Scotland
  • 2007–2012
    Lecturer in Politics, University of the West of Scotland

Education

  • 2006 
    University of Glasgow, PhD