Distinguished documentary filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Alan Clements has been appointed an Honorary Professor by the Faculty of Law, Business and Social Sciences at Glasgow University.

Professor Clements ﾖ a first class Politics and History honours graduate of the University ﾖ is currently Creative Director at Glasgow-based independent television producers, IWC, part of the RDF Media Group. Last year, IWC produced over 200 hours of original programming for the BBC, Sky, Five and Channel Four.

He joins the Department of Politics in an advisory and occasional teaching role. He was involved in helping to set up the new MSc in Political Communication and will shortly be delivering a presentation and discussion to students as well as attending other significant social and academic events.

Professor Clements said: 'Having had a long and happy association with Glasgow University, I am thrilled to be honoured in this way. I only hope I can give back in some small way to an institution which gave so much to me.'

Dr Sarah Oates, Convenor of the MSc in Political Communication, Politics Department welcomed the move: "We are delighted to have made this exciting appointment to the Politics Department. Alan provides the type of synergy with the political communication community that brings significant benefits to students, the University and political communication community itself. We are very happy to be engaging with one of our most distinguished graduates in this way."

Professor Clements is also launching the IWC Prize, in which Politics students compete to write the best proposal for a documentary film. The winner receives a month's internship at IWC to see and contribute first hand to the programme making process. The contest will be run this year for all undergraduate Honours students in Politics as well as all of the post-graduates in the University's taught Politics courses.

Martin Shannon (m.shannon@admin.gla.ac.uk)

Further information: Dr Sarah Oates, Senior Lecturer, Politics Department Telephone: 0141 330 5124

First published: 9 October 2006