Dr Mick Smith, of the University's division of Sociology, has been shortlisted for the British Sociological Association Philip Abrams Memorial Prize, for his book, "An Ethics of Place; Radical Ecology, Postmodernity, and Social Theory".

The annual prize, awarded to the best first and sole-authored book in Sociology, will be presented at the British Sociological Association Annual Conference 2002, which runs until Wednesday. Just two authors remain in this year's competition, and Dr Smith is honoured to be shortlisted for this highly prestigious award.

"This nomination indicates a growing awareness for the natural environment, and its increasing importance to society," said Dr Smith. "This is the first book that I have written alone, and I am delighted by the recognition it has already received."

An Ethics of Place examines the way in which modern society relates to nature, and argues for a move away from the view of nature as a resource, to being recognised as valuable in its own right.

Dr Smith explained: "This book is closely linked to the research that I am carrying out at Abertay University, and I hope that it will prove to be useful to students and academics alike - no matter what the judges decide!"

Dr Smith is also co-editor of "Boundaries and Identities; Nation, Politics and Culture in Scotland", which was published by the Abertay University Press last year. Abertay University offers full time degree courses in Sociology, Social Science and Social & Cultural Studies, including modules in the Sociology of the Environment and Social Ethics. Full and part-time postgraduate courses are also available.