The Regional Studies Association (RSA) is delighted to announce the award of Honorary Membership to three distinguished members of our community: Elisa Roller, Pedro Amaral, and Sally Hardy.
Honorary Membership recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to the Association and who have made significant contributions to the field of regional studies. The award is for life, and recipients are asked to uphold the values and principles of the Association in this honorary capacity.
In our 60th anniversary year, the Board has made the decision to confer three awards, reflecting the outstanding calibre of the nominees and their profound contributions to the RSA and the discipline.
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Elisa Roller – Director for Competitiveness and Prosperity at the European Commission Secretariat General. Elisa has been a longstanding member of the RSA since attending her first conference in 1999. A member of the RSA Research Committee and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, she has been one of the most engaged and supportive policy practitioners in our community, bridging academic research with impactful policy practice.
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Pedro Amaral – Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pedro has been a member of the RSA for over a decade, serving as Founding Chair of the RSA Latin America Division and RSA Ambassador for Brazil. He has made outstanding contributions to RSA publishing and editorial activities and is a multi-award-winning scholar and dedicated supporter of the Association’s global reach.
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Sally Hardy – Former Executive Secretary, Director, and Chief Executive of the RSA. Sally’s leadership between 1987 and 2024 shaped the Association through decades of growth and change. Her exceptional service and commitment have been pivotal to the RSA’s development and to supporting the global regional studies community.
The RSA warmly congratulates Elisa, Pedro, and Sally on this richly deserved recognition, and thanks them for their extraordinary dedication and service.