James Ladyman studied pure mathematics and philosophy at the University of York, took a masters in history and philosophy of science and mathematics at King’s College London, and then a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Leeds. He has been assistant, deputy and co-editor of the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science and honorary secretary of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science. He is professor of philosophy at the University of Bristol.

In 2005 James was awarded the Philip Leverhulme Prize in philosophy and ethics. He has published widely especially in the philosophy of science and particularly in the foundations and philosophy of physics. His book Understanding Philosophy of Science received a Choice Outstanding Academic Text award. He is also well known for campaigning against the so-called ‘impact agenda’, which led to him being profiled in Times Higher Education. He published two articles on research policy in Science in Parliament, and he has met with politicians, civil servants and policy makers. He has also written guest blogs for New Statesman and appeared at the How the Light Gets In festival, as well as being interviewed on the “Today” programme and being quoted on academic matters in the Guardian, the Independent and other press outlets.