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.