Duffy (pictured) replaces Professor James Wilsdon, who returned to the role as interim chair earlier this year after Professor Shamit Saggar relocated to Australia.

Duffy joined King’s College last year after nine years at the helm of Ipsos Mori’s Social Research Institute and as managing director of public affairs.

The Campaign for Social Science was launched by the Academy of Social Sciences in 2011 to advocate social science research and its impact on society, the economy and the environment.

Dr Rita Gardner, chief executive of the Academy, said: "Bobby Duffy is the perfect person to chair the Campaign at this important time for the social sciences and for the Academy.

"His breadth of experience across academic, public and private sectors, his focus on social science in the service of society, and his passion will start a new chapter for the Campaign as part of the Academy’s strategic development."