David James is Professor of Sociology of Education in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University. He is editor of the British Journal of Sociology of Education and chair the UK REF 2021 (Research Excellence Framework) subpanel for Education. He was founding Director of the ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership and was a member of BERA Council for six years, during which time he initiated the BERA Postgraduate Forum.

David’s research includes work on policy and practice in assessment, learning, teacher education, the curriculum and professionalism in schools, FE, work-based learning and HE. He recently co-directed a four-nation UK study of FE governance, and he is a core team member in an international comparative study on Digital Futures of Work in which his main focus is lifelong learning.

An experienced doctoral supervisor and examiner, David has also spent much time supporting colleagues who are developing their knowledge and practice as researchers, within and beyond his own institution.