Remembering Martin Bulmer

It is with sadness that we announce the death of our former colleague Professor Martin Bulmer. Martin was an integral member of the Department of Sociology from his arrival at the University of Surrey in 1995. Martin was a renowned sociologist focusing on the history of sociology, sociological research methods and the role of sociology in shaping public policies.

He authored multiple texts, including The Chicago School of Sociology, Racism (with John Solomos), Neighbours: The Work of Phillip Abrams, Migration: Policies, Practices, Activism (with John Solomos), and The Social Survey in Historical Perspective (with Kevin Bales and Kathryn Kish Sklar). Martin was also instrumental in the development of the Ethnic and Racial Studies Journal, which he edited from 1989 to 2020 and which remains based in the Department of Sociology.

Martin will be remembered as a conscientious colleague who always looked out for others, including junior staff members and PhD students. He also fought to protect the integrity of the discipline and played a significant role in the development of research methodology nationally and internationally – something we are proud to see reflected in the department's identity today. It is sad to report news of Martin's passing, and our thoughts are with his family.