Gill Haddow is a Professor of Sociology of Medicine and Technology at the University of Edinburgh , affiliated with the School of Social and Political Science . Her research examines intersections of embodiment, technology, and identity through sociological frameworks. Current projects: Who cares in the university? (2025-2026) addressing ableism in academia Previous projects: Animal, Mechanical and Me (2013-2018) analyzing cyborg identities via Wellcome Trust funding Key contributions include: Conceptualizing 'everyday cyborgs' through implantable cardiac defibrillators and bioprinting Theoretical work on xenotransplantation paradoxes and bodily identity Creative public engagement via films like Broken Wings and Maggie’s ICD Story Scientific awards include: Wellcome Trust University Award Wellcome Public Engagement Award Wellcome Culture Catalyst Fund She supervises PhD students in: AI in healthcare ethics Gender transitions and medical technology Anatomy school boundary work Chronic heart disease narratives
Elke Heins is a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. She holds a PhD in Political and Social Science from the European University Institute (Florence) and a degree from the University of Mannheim. Her principal affiliations include editorial roles at the Journal of Social Policy and co-convenorship of the FUTURES Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. Education: PhD, Political and Social Science, European University Institute Undergraduate/Master's, University of Mannheim (exact degree unspecified) Research Focus: Her work examines comparative and European social policy, with emphasis on labor markets, welfare reform, health policy, and well-being. She explores eco-social transformations, pandemic responses, and welfare governance through interdisciplinary lenses. Current projects include industrial decarbonization, COVID-19 trust dynamics, and well-being measurement frameworks. Publication Trends: Recent articles analyze policy responses to crises (COVID-19, climate), welfare state adaptations, and EU governance. She frequently employs comparative methodologies to dissect labor market inequalities, social justice in green transitions, and the role of international organizations in social policy. Professional Activities: ESRC Policy Fellow, Welsh Government (2022-2023) Parliamentary Fellow, Beltane Public Engagement Network Co-editor, Journal of Social Policy (Cambridge University Press) Editorial board: Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy , Australian Journal of Social Issues Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD candidates on topics including youth transitions, employability, and well-being. Key projects: ESRC-funded studies on skills development and career decision-making Scottish Universities Insight Institute initiative on well-being indicators Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence activities
Dr. Jamie Buchan is a Lecturer in Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on the sociology of punishment, community justice reforms in Scotland, and the application of Bourdieusian theory to penal systems. He has contributed extensively to restorative justice policy development and has analyzed the impact of Scottish devolution and Brexit on criminal justice approaches. PhD in Criminology from University of Edinburgh MA (Hons) in Architectural History MSc in Social Research Research interests include: Community penalties and alternatives to imprisonment Restorative justice frameworks Penal politics in devolved jurisdictions Interagency partnership working Recent publications analyze restorative justice risk mitigation, institutionalization challenges, and pandemic impacts on criminal justice partnerships. His 2025 textbook on Scottish criminal justice will be published by Routledge. Scientific recognition: Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA) Organizing committee member, British Society of Criminology 2024 Conference Senior Academic Integrity Officer at ENU Active in policy advisory through: Community Justice Scotland's Expert Advisory Group Scottish Association for the Study of Offending (SASO) International penitentiary reform projects
Professor Deirdre Heenan is a Professor of Social Policy at the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University. She previously served as Provost and Dean of Academic Development at the Magee Campus. Her research focuses on healthcare, education policy, social care, devolution, and governance in Northern Ireland. She has held significant policy roles, including a fellowship at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (2008) and membership on a Health and Social Care review panel (2011). Education: Educated at Banbridge Academy and Ulster University. Research Interests: Professor Heenan’s work bridges academia and policy, addressing issues like healthcare reform, devolution impacts, and social policy implementation. Her contributions include co-founding the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey. Awards: Recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award (2001), National Teaching Fellowship (2006), and ESRC Fellowship (2008). Advising & Grants: She has advised government bodies and secured research fellowships. Notably, her ESRC-funded policy engagement (2008) and contributions to Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care review (2011). Labs/Teams: Active in the Institute for Research in Social Sciences. Engaged in community roles as a director of ILEX (Derry~Londonderry urban regeneration) and school governor at Foyle College and St Patrick's Pennyburn.
Philip Britteon is a Research Fellow in the Health Organisation, Policy, and Economics (HOPE) research group at the University of Manchester. He holds a PhD in Health Economics (2020), MSc in Economics of Health (2015), and BSc in Economics (2014), all from the University of Manchester. His research focuses on applying econometric and causal inference methods to evaluate health and social care systems, with a particular emphasis on spillover effects of policy interventions and the impact of devolution on health outcomes and inequalities. Key research areas include healthcare payment incentives, devolution’s effects on local health systems, and health inequalities. His work is funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing health and well-being. He has published widely on topics such as spillover effects of financial incentives and the evaluation of whole-system health reforms. Philip is affiliated with the Health Economics Research Group (HESG) and the European Health Economics Association (EuHEA). His media engagements include coverage in the BBC News, Health Foundation Blog, and Local Government Chronicle, highlighting findings such as improved life expectancy in Manchester post-devolution.
Scott L. Greer is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan with joint appointments in Health Management and Policy and Political Science. He obtained his PhD in Political Science from Northwestern University in 2003 after completing his BA at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research focuses on the politics of health policies, particularly examining how political systems influence health governance structures and policy implementation. Greer's work centers on three interconnected areas: the impact of federalism on healthcare systems, European Union health policy development, and crisis response mechanisms in health governance. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on comparative health policy analysis across different political systems. His scholarly contributions include over fifty book chapters and articles in leading journals. Recent work examines political determinants of health system resilience, global health governance challenges, and science-policy interfaces during health emergencies. He maintains active collaborations with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies as a Senior Expert Advisor.
Anna Coleman is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Manchester with expertise in health policy analysis and implementation science. She leads the Inclusive Research team for the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, focusing on integrating diverse perspectives into health research. Her work examines policy implementation, health system reform, and pandemic response strategies. Research areas include: Health and social care devolution Qualitative health services research Workplace COVID-19 transmission
Prof. Sharon Wright is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Glasgow, specializing in welfare conditionality, social security, and poverty. She holds a PhD from the University of Stirling (2003) and has held academic positions at the University of Stirling, Oxford, and Warwick. Her research focuses on the lived experiences of welfare reforms, particularly their impact on marginalized groups, including those with mental health challenges and migrant workers. She has led numerous high-impact studies funded by the ESRC, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Scottish Government, addressing issues like Universal Credit, migrant labor during the pandemic, and welfare governance. Her work bridges academic research with policy advocacy, emphasizing evidence-based reforms. Key contributions include analyzing the ethics of welfare conditionality, the intersection of devolution and social policy in Scotland, and the socioeconomic impacts of UK welfare reforms. She co-authored Women and Welfare Conditionality: Lived Experiences of Benefit Sanctions, Work and Welfare (2023) and leads the Social & Urban Policy research group at Glasgow. Recent grants include £302,999 (2020-2022) for studying migrant essential workers during the pandemic and £352,444 (2013-2018) on welfare conditionality’s impact. Her publications span peer-reviewed journals, policy reports, and media engagement, ensuring policy relevance. She advises governments and NGOs on welfare reforms, emphasizing equity and lived experiences.
Malcolm Harvey is a Lecturer in Politics at the University of Aberdeen's School of Social Sciences, appointed in September 2016. He holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Stirling (2015), alongside a MScEcon in Terrorism and International Relations (Aberystwyth University, 2008) and a BA (Hons) in Politics (University of Stirling, 2006). He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (awarded 2018 after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching). His research focuses on constitutional change, Scottish politics, referendums, Nordic welfare systems, nationalism, and electoral systems. He teaches courses on US Politics, US Presidents, and US Foreign Policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, reflecting his Fulbright Scholarship at Villanova University (2021). Education: PhD Politics, University of Stirling, 2015 MScEcon Terrorism and International Relations, Aberystwyth University, 2008 BA (Hons) Politics, University of Stirling, 2006 His research examines constitutional futures, devolution, and secessionist movements in Scotland and beyond. Notable collaborations include co-authoring works with Prof. Michael Keating and Dr. Daniel Cetrà. He has organized public seminars on the UK's evolving relationship with the EU and contributed to Scottish Parliament consultations. His teaching emphasizes US politics, blending academic rigor with practical insights from his Fulbright experience. His publications span constitutional theory, small-state governance, and comparative nationalism. Recent work includes analyses of Catalonia-Scotland parallels and federal solutions for the UK. Awards include the Fulbright Scholarship and multiple teaching excellence nominations. He supervises PhD projects on UK constitutional politics, including Scottish independence and intergovernmental dynamics. Grants include a Fulbright Scholarship ($25,000) and the Department of Politics Early Career Researcher Travel Grant (£500). Malcolm is an Associate Fellow at the Centre on Constitutional Change and co-convened the Political Studies Association's Territorial Politics Group (2019–2023). He advocates for mental health support in academia, recognized by his 2019–2020 awards.
Dr. Lorraine Johnston is an Associate Professor at Northumbria University's Newcastle Business School, leading the Leadership & Management Development department since 2020 and serving as Interim Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange. Her academic career follows a background in local government (Newcastle City Council). Key roles include founding the Public Policy & Public Management Research Interest Group (2012). She specializes in public management, community voice, and complex governance challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent projects include TRANSABE (2024-2025), fostering sustainable architecture through cross-cultural partnerships, and a 2021-2022 study on university-driven city services. She received the 2025 International Women's Day award for contributions to equality and regeneration. Education: PhD in Philosophy (2007). Her research spans public participation, devolved decision-making, and gender equality, with notable publications like Leading Local Government: A Place for Elected Mayors? (2020). She supervises PhD projects on public sector reform, including collaborations with Australian institutions. Active in learned societies (e.g., Political Studies Association), she bridges academia and policy through guest speaker series and international workshops. Current teaching spans MSc, MBA, and Degree Apprenticeship programs in public leadership and strategic management. Awards: Honorary International Women's Day 2025 award for advancing equality and inclusive public services. Grants include British Council and Research England funding. Her work addresses urban futures, under-representation, and public value creation, often involving marginalized communities. Recent activities include speaking at high-street regeneration events and co-organizing transnational educational workshops with Galala University. Lab/Team: Active in the Public Policy & Public Management Research Interest Group and the Urban Futures initiative. Collaborates with global partners on sustainability and cross-cultural education projects.
Fiona Simpkins is a Lecturer in English studies at Lumière Lyon-2 University since 2010, specializing in British and Scottish politics. She holds a PhD from Lyon 2 University (2008) and has served in academic roles at institutions like Nice-Sophia Antipolis and Nice-Sophia Antipolis. Her research focuses on UK constitutional debates, Scottish devolution, Brexit impacts, and political nationalism. She has organized major conferences, including the 2021 'State of the Union' congress and the 2017 UK general election analysis. Awards include the 2009 Franco-Scottish Thesis Prize. Her work spans over 25 scholarly publications, emphasizing electoral strategies, unionism dynamics, and SNP policies. She frequently engages media for commentary on UK political developments. Education: PhD in English Studies (Lumière Lyon-2 University, 2008) Affiliations: Triangle UMR 5206, CRECIB research network Research Interests: Fiona examines territorial politics in the UK, particularly Scottish devolution's evolution post-1997. Her work analyzes intra-British nationalisms, the SNP's role, and Brexit's divisive effects. She explores how political parties navigate constitutional crises, electoral strategies, and unionist vs. separatist ideologies. Recent focus includes gender recognition policy debates and post-pandemic governance challenges in Scotland. Key Contributions: Her 2024 book chapter on gender reform and unionist strategy, 2023 analysis of Scottish Labour Party dynamics, and 2022 studies on Liz Truss's leadership and SNP pandemic management highlight her expertise. Articles in Revue française de civilisation britannique and Politique internationale underscore her interdisciplinary approach. Grants & Funding: Funded projects include AHRC-backed studies on UK conservatism and Triangle-supported conferences. Media Engagement: Regular contributor to The Conversation , France Culture, and RFI on UK political crises. Labs/Teams: Core member of Triangle research unit (political sociology) and CRECIB (British Civilisation Centre). Collaborates with EHIC, ILCEA4, and Sorbonne institutions on UK studies.
Professor Jonathan Davies is a Professor of Critical Policy Studies at De Montfort University (DMU), affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts and the Local Governance Research Unit. His research focuses on governance, public policy, urban crises, and neoliberalism, with a particular emphasis on austerity's impact on cities and local governance dynamics. He explores themes such as urban resilience, municipal power struggles, and the interplay between policy and political economy. His work critically examines governance structures in cities like Leicester, Spain, and the UK, analyzing how austerity policies affect urban development and social equity. Davies also critiques neoliberal hegemony and its manifestations in education and public administration, advocating for transformative approaches to democracy and municipalism. His publications span peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and reviews, reflecting his interdisciplinary engagement with urban politics and policy. Affiliations: Local Governance Research Unit, DMU Key Themes: Urban governance, austerity, neoliberalism, municipal politics, policy networks Davies’ research students and grants are not explicitly listed here, but his work often addresses contemporary challenges in local governance, offering critical insights into power dynamics and institutional resilience. His contributions to urban studies highlight the need for rethinking collaborative governance models in austerity-driven contexts.
Katy Shaw is a Professor of Writing and Publishing at Northumbria University’s School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries. She serves as Director of the UKRI/AHRC Creative Communities programme and engages in cultural policy consultancy. PhD in English Literature, Lancaster University PGCE (Higher Education), Northumbria University MA in English, University of Cambridge Her research focuses on UK devolution and culture , diversity in creative industries , and cultural policy-making . She delivered a TED talk on inclusion in publishing and authored the influential APPG Inquiry report ‘The Case for Culture’ , which shaped post-pandemic cultural recovery policies. Recent publications address regional cultural strategies and publishing equity . Grants include £916,836 for AHRC Creative Communities (2025-27) and £189,035 from the Wellcome Trust for sleep crisis research. AHRC Research Network Award 2023 Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy She collaborates with institutions like the British Council, Wellcome Trust, and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. Her TED talk and New Statesman articles highlight her public engagement.
Professor Jon Shaw is the Head of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His academic career includes roles at institutions like the University of Idaho, shaping his expertise in transport geography and mobility studies. Shaw specializes in transport decarbonization, governance frameworks, and accessibility challenges, with a focus on policy impacts across devolved UK regions. His research contributions include seminal works like Towards Transport Net Zero (2025) and Diverging Mobilities , examining devolution's role in transport policy. He co-edits the Transport and Sustainability series and has secured over £4m in grants, notably for smart ticketing initiatives improving bus accessibility in England. Education: PhD in Transport Geography Professional experience at University of Idaho (1990s) Teaching: GEES1102 People and Place GEES2102 Transport, Travel and Mobilities GEES2109 Fieldwork in Geography: The Changing American West Grants/Awards: £4m UK government grant for smart ticketing rollout Erskine Fellowship (University of Canterbury) Shaw's work bridges academic research and policy, emphasizing transformative strategies for sustainable transport. His fieldwork includes annual Pacific Northwest expeditions for student-led projects, fostering experiential learning.
Karlo Basta is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science and co-director of the Centre on Constitutional Change. His research examines nationalism, secession, federalism, and business-political interactions using interpretivist and discourse analysis methodologies. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and previously taught at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Basta's work has received multiple awards, including the 2023 Best Book award for The Symbolic State . His current project investigates corporate influence in independence referendums. He supervises PhD research on capitalism-nationalism tensions and self-determination geopolitics. Recent articles analyze nationalist mobilisation in Catalonia, multinational governance during COVID-19, and theoretical intersections of nationalism/capitalism.
