PPLS Review of 2023

Happy New Year from the School of PPLS!

PPLS 2023 Review collage

We celebrated many successes across our community in 2023, here’s a highlight of just some of the many staff and student achievements that have shaped our year. Do you have a story to share? Email: ppls.marketing@ed.ac.uk.

Students & alumni

PhD graduate makes history

Dr Miron Clay-Gilmore becomes the first Black philosopher to earn a doctorate on Africana Philosophy & Black Male Studies in the University’s history.

Tutor wins teaching award

Camden McKenna wins Student Tutor of the Year Award at the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) Teaching Awards. He is commended for bringing enjoyment, inclusivity and motivation to his students.

Graduate honoured by British Council

Dr Lilian Balatsou received the Social Action Award for her project ‘Greek Girls Code’ at the Study UK Alumni Awards. The project aims to inspire girls and young women in Greece to get involved in science and technology.

Student comes runner-up in 'Best Overall Conference Presentation' award at the British Psychological Society (BPS) Scottish Undergraduate Research Conference

Albatool Almubarak, under the supervision of Professor Sarah MacPherson, presented her research on congenital aphantasia.

PhD students organise successful international linguistics conference

The Linguistics and English Language Postgraduate Conference (LELPGC) seeks to inspire academic development, professional engagement and to provide linguistics students and recent graduates from all over the world with an international platform for their work.

Staff

Promotions success for PPLS academics

Congratulations to eight PPLS staff members who have been appointed Personal Chairs. A personal chair is awarded specifically to an individual in recognition of their high levels of achievements and standing in their particular area or discipline.

British Academy fellowship for Psychology Professor

Professor Martin Pickering has been recognised by the UK’s national academy for his notable academic contributions.

The British Science Association (BSA) selects early-career researcher, Dr Bérengère Digard, to deliver the social sciences award lecture

The BSA has acknowledged promising early career scientists for over 30 years and previous Award Lecturers include Professor Brian Cox, Richard Wiseman and Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Bérengère is being honoured for her public engagement work on autism and bilingualism.

Professor Michael Cholbi is joint winner of the Royal Institute of Philosophy’s annual essay prize competition

The topic for this year’s prize was ‘Emotions’. Michael’s article reflected his longstanding interest in the ethical perplexities raised by grief.

Research

PPLS launches new podcast

Hosted by PPLS students, the podcast explores the School’s cutting-edge research and its real-world impact.

Philosophers and ethical experts, including Professors Michael Gill and Michael Cholbi, announce their support for the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill

The Philosophers’ Consortium on Assisted Dying in Scotland (PCADS) comprises a group of leading academics in ethical philosophy that believes the Bill, proposed by Liam McArthur MSP, represents a positive step to improve how people die in Scotland.

Study finds that music could be key to curbing cybersickness

Using virtual reality can cause dizziness, nausea and headaches, new psychological research suggests music may be the cure.

Accents still act as a barrier to social mobility

The report, co-produced by Linguistics lecturer Dr Christian Ilbury, highlights a clear link between accents, socioeconomic background and social mobility.

For the latest stories across our community in 2024 visit:

PPLS | News

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