Nichola Dobson

Dr. Nichola Dobson is a Senior Lecturer in Animation at the School of Design, University of Edinburgh, where she has worked since 2010. She serves as PGR Director for Design and Programme Director for BA (Hons) Animation, contributing to both academic leadership and research-driven education.

• Roles: PGR Director, Programme Director, Co-I on CoStar Realtime Lab
• Leadership: Founder and Director of Animation Research Network Scotland (ARNS), former President of the Society for Animation Studies (2015-2019)

Her research spans Animation History, Animation Theory, and Queer Representation in the Creative Industries, with a focus on Scottish animator Norman McLaren. She explores intersections of TV Animation, Sound Structure, and Narrative in emotional storytelling.

Recent projects include a Companion to Animation Studies (with Paul Taberham) and collaborative work on Women in the Creative Industries with Dr. Lynn Love. She supervises PhD students in topics ranging from Post-humanism in Animation to Urban Space in Chinese Animated Films.

• Key Networks: CoSTAR (Creative Screen Technologies and Realtime), Design & Screen Cultures Research Group