Ruth McAreavey is Professor of Sociology at Newcastle University. Her research focuses on rural social change; migration; and research ethics and methodologies. She has published extensively on rural development and is interested in inequalities faced by migrants in the labour market and in other parts of everyday life. She is an active member of various international research networks including the Trans-Atlantic Rural Research Network and the European Society for Rural Sociology (ESRS). She is currently co-editor-in-chief of Sociologia Ruralis.

Prior to working in academia, Ruth held various positions in the voluntary and community sector and within local government. She remains proactive in engaging with third sector organisations and with government departments. She is committed to conducting research that brings social and economic impact.