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
Simon Avery is a Reader in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture at the University of Westminster 's School of Humanities , where he has taught since 2007. He previously held positions at the University of Hertfordshire (1999-2007) and Anglia Ruskin University (1996-1999), with additional tutoring at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education. His research spans nineteenth-century women's writing and queer literature , with particular focus on Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the Brontës, Mary Coleridge, and Thomas Hardy. MA in Victorian Literature (University of Nottingham) PhD in nineteenth-century literature and politics (Anglia Ruskin) Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (University of Hertfordshire) His research interests include: Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture : Exploring women's writing, political poetry, and intersections between literary production and historical context. Key publications include critical editions of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Mary Coleridge, and analyses of the Brontës' Gothic techniques. Queer Literature and Cultures : Co-director of the Queer London Research Forum (2013-2023) and editor of a 2023 queer poetry anthology. His work examines queer spatial theory and historical London narratives. Recent publications highlight trends in Victorian science-poetry intersections (X-ray Gothic fears) and queer temporalities , alongside ongoing projects on queer poetry history. He has received research support from institutions including the Armstrong Browning Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities . As an advisor , Avery has directed PhDs on topics ranging from Victorian female detectives to post-devolution Scottish queer literature. His public engagement includes talks at the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Ledbury Poetry Festival.
Jo Winning is Professor of Modern Literature & Critical Theory and Head of the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University’s Faculty of Arts. She previously held roles as Professor of Modern Literature and Critical Theory at Birkbeck, University of London, including Assistant Dean for Equalities (2017-21) and College Dean (2021-23). Her interdisciplinary work bridges literary studies, critical theory, and medical humanities. Education & Professional Roles: Current roles include Vice-President of the Association for Medical and Healthcare Humanities Lay-Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Exams Sub-Committee (2011–2023) Member of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Working Party on unconscious bias in exams Research Interests: Her work focuses on modernist literature, queer theory, medical humanities, and the intersection of humanities disciplines with clinical practice. Key themes include: Literature and identity (especially lesbian/queer subjectivity) Psychoanalytic frameworks in clinical and literary contexts Medical humanities applied to clinician-patient communication Critical disability studies and vulnerability Publications & Projects: She leads the AHRC-funded Dorothy Richardson Scholarly Editions project, producing critical editions of the modernist author’s works. Current projects include The Psychic Life of Medicine , exploring illness communication through psychoanalysis and art/media, and Towards Radical Vulnerability , linking medical humanities to social justice activism. Collaborations: Works with medical schools (e.g., Imperial College, St George’s) to integrate humanities into medical education. Advocates for HASS disciplines through roles on the British Academy’s Strategic Forum for the Humanities and Australian Heads of University English (AUHE) Executive Committee. Advising & Teaching: Supervises PhD students in modernist studies, medical humanities, and gender/sexuality studies. Develops co-designed medical humanities courses for healthcare professionals.
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.
Kyle Thompson is Professor of History and Interim Director of the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences at Pittsburg State University. He holds a PhD in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh (2012), an MA from Pittsburg State University (2007), and a BS from Rogers State University (2005). His research examines British political history with focus on Scottish-English relations, political identity formation, and parliamentary reform. Research interests center on Victorian/Edwardian political dynamics, Liberal Party evolution, devolution politics, and the impact of Brexit on Scottish independence movements. Publications analyze historical political crises in Edinburgh and contemporary constitutional divergences. Awards include the Franklin Research Grant Fellowship, Mid-Career Scholar Bursary, and multiple university research awards. He directs MA students in British political history and leads study abroad programs to Scotland and Ireland.
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.
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.
Dr. Mark Simpson is a Senior Lecturer in Law and Research Director for Law at Ulster University’s School of Law. He specializes in interdisciplinary research on social security law, poverty, and human rights obligations within the UK’s devolved governance structures. Education: LLB and LLM in Environmental Law from Queen’s University Belfast 2016 PhD graduate at Ulster University His research focuses on social security law in the context of welfare conditionality, poverty, and constitutional tensions between central government and devolved administrations. He is particularly known for his work on Scotland’s devolved social security powers and legal protections for destitute individuals. Mark has authored 50 research outputs and co-led impact case studies contributing to Ulster University’s REF2021 submission, where 46% of Law unit outputs were deemed world-leading. His work with the Scottish Commission on Social Security and various UK welfare reviews demonstrates practical influence. £1.1M Nuffield Foundation-funded study on devolved UK social security Appointed to Scottish Commission on Social Security (2019-2024) Key role in Independent review of welfare mitigations (2021) He supervises PhD students in Law and Social Justice, Public Law, and Human Rights Law, with expertise spanning social security law, devolution, and environmental law.
Elin Royles is an Associate Professor and Reader in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University. She joined the university in 2003 and leads the Department’s Recruitment, Admissions, and Marketing team. She is also a Theme Leader for ‘Language, Culture, and Identities’ at the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society. Her research focuses on Territorial Politics, Post-devolution UK Politics, Sub-state Diplomacy, and Language Policy, with a particular emphasis on minority languages like Welsh. Her teaching includes PhD supervision in Territorial Politics, Welsh Politics and Society, and Language Policy. She has led significant research projects such as the ESRC-funded WISERD Civil Society project (WP C3.1) and the James Madison Trust project on UK intergovernmental relations post-Brexit. She has also contributed to evaluations of initiatives like the ARFOR 2 programme. Her work has been recognized with awards, including the Political Studies Association’s Walter Bagehot Prize (2004–05) and the Aberystwyth University Award for Exceptional Research Impact (2018). She has published extensively on topics including sub-state governance, linguistic vitality, and the role of civil society in policy-making. Key collaborations include work with researchers at Cardiff University, Aston University, and international partners. Her research often intersects with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Mary C. Murphy is a Professor in the Political Science Department at Boston College and Director of the Irish Institute. She joined Boston College in Fall 2024, bringing expertise in Ireland/Northern Ireland-EU relations, post-Brexit constitutional dynamics, and conflict resolution. Her research focuses on Brexit’s impact on Northern Ireland’s political stability, EU relations, and constitutional futures. Education: B.A., University of Limerick; MSSc., Queen's University Belfast; Ph.D., Queen's University Belfast. She previously served as Head of the Department of Government and Politics at University College Cork and was former President of the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies. Research Interests: Her work examines EU-Northern Ireland relations, Brexit-induced constitutional challenges, and peace processes. She co-authored A Troubled Constitutional Future: Northern Ireland after Brexit (2022), which won the UACES Best Book Prize. She has also published extensively on EU policy dynamics, regional governance, and party politics in Ireland. Publications Trends: Her articles analyze Brexit’s effects on cross-border governance, sovereignty disputes, and political party strategies in Northern Ireland. Key themes include EU influence on conflict resolution, post-Brexit institutional instability, and the role of small states in欧盟政策. Awards: UACES Best Book Prize (2023), Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair (twice), Fulbright-Schuman scholar, PSAI Teaching Prize Grants/Labs: Leads the Irish Institute at BC; affiliated with Edinburgh University’s Centre on Constitutional Change; coordinated EU-funded research projects via Jean Monnet Chairs.
Dr. Asanga Welikala is Lecturer in Public Law at the School of Law, University of Edinburgh, and the Acting Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Constitutional Law. He also serves as a Research Associate of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and Research Fellow of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Sri Lanka. His academic credentials include LLB, LLM, and PhD degrees. Dr. Welikala's research spans several critical areas: Comparative constitutional law Applied constitutional theory Commonwealth constitutional history Plurinational constitutionalism and secession Comparative federalism and devolution Constitutional transitions and incrementalism Dialogic constitutionalism in the Commonwealth Public law of the United Kingdom and Scotland Sri Lankan constitutional law and reform Conservative and Burkean constitutional thought His scholarly work demonstrates a sophisticated analysis of constitutional design in plural societies, particularly examining South Asia and Commonwealth nations. His publications reveal a consistent focus on the historical context of constitutional development, theoretical frameworks, and practical implementation challenges, with special attention to Sri Lanka's constitutional evolution. Dr. Welikala's professional recognition includes: Membership in the Office of Constitutional Support, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq International advisory roles on constitutional and legal reform Active participation as an independent expert in Sri Lanka's constitution-making process At the University of Edinburgh, he teaches and supervises public law across all academic levels, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. As Mooting Coordinator, he also contributes significantly to practical legal education. His ongoing collaboration with Sri Lankan policy institutions through the Centre for Policy Alternatives enables valuable knowledge exchange between UK and Sri Lankan constitutional scholarship.
Charlotte Heath-Kelly is a Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, leading the ERC-funded 'Neoliberal Terror' project examining counter-radicalisation practices in Europe. Her work bridges security studies, criminology, and political theory, with a focus on counter-terrorism policies, memory studies, and the intersection of social welfare with national security. Education: PhD in International Politics (Aberystwyth, 2012); MSc Political Theory (Cardiff, 2008); BA Politics and Philosophy (Cardiff, 2005). Research Highlights: Principal Investigator on the ERC-funded 'Neoliberal Terror' project (€1.5M, 2020–2025). Leading studies on UK Prevent Strategy implementation in healthcare and education sectors. Author of Death and Security: Memory and Mortality at the Bombsite (2016) and co-author of The Politics of Preventing Violent Extremism (2025). Awards: Shortlisted for the Susan Strange Book Prize (2014) for Politics of Violence . Grants and Projects: ESRC Future Research Leaders Award (£135,486, 2016–2019). Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship (£82,560, 2015). Lab/Team: Leads the 'Neoliberal Terror' research team at Warwick, exploring CVE policy diffusion and healthcare-sector counterterrorism surveillance.
Kieran Wright is a Lecturer at the University of Warwick, specializing in UK politics and policy with a focus on teaching quantitative research methods and political analysis. He joined Warwick in autumn 2024 after teaching at the University of Sheffield and leading the Parliamentary Studies module at Birkbeck University of London. Prior to his academic career, he worked in further education and as a full-time carer. Wright holds a PhD from the University of Kent (2021) and has conducted extensive research on political rhetoric, nationalism, and party competition. His work emphasizes the interplay between political communication and electoral outcomes, particularly in post-devolution Scotland. He employs quantitative text analysis to study party strategies, public opinion shifts, and institutional dynamics. His publications include analyses of Scottish Labour's electoral decline, strategic tools used by Scottish political parties, and methodological approaches to measuring decentralization. He also contributed to prefeasibility studies on marine energy in the Maldives. Wright provides academic advice via weekly in-person and online appointments in E1.15, with slots available via dedicated booking links.
Dr. Sarah Leith is an Associate Lecturer in the History of Scotland and the Wider World (c.1707–c.1914) at the School of History, University of St Andrews. She also serves as Communications Manager for the Institute of Scottish Historical Research since 2018 and previously held roles at the University of Glasgow’s School of Critical Studies and Centre for Robert Burns Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of politics and culture in modern Scotland, with emphases on environmental thought, Scottish identity, and print culture from the eighteenth century onwards. Leith is a co-investigator for a Royal Society of Edinburgh Small Research Grant (2024–2025) and a member of the AHRC-funded Scottish Magazines Network’s Steering Group. She edited the School’s alumni magazine, The St Andrews Historian , for 2023–2024. Her first monograph is under contract with Edinburgh University Press, and her work appears in journals like Northern Scotland and Scottish Literary Review .
Nathalie Duclos is a Professor at the Department of English-Speaking World Studies (DEMA), University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, and a key figure in the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS). She has been a lecturer since 2004 and was promoted to Professor in 2017. She co-directs the CAS and leads research on British and Scottish political studies, particularly focusing on devolution, independence movements, and constitutional change. Her educational background includes the External English Aggregation (1998) and a Doctorate (2003) on the New Scottish Autonomy, followed by a Habilitation to Supervise Research (2015) on Contemporary Scotland as a distinct political entity. She has held numerous leadership roles, including elected advisor in DEMA, member and former President of the CSQ, and co-leader of the CAS research axis 'Crises and Reconfigurations' (2021–2026). Her research centers on British and Scottish political studies, with a focus on devolution, autonomy, and independence movements in Scotland and Wales. She explores the ideological and strategic dimensions of separatism, the impact of Brexit on UK constitutional dynamics, and the evolution of political parties in the British Isles. Her work combines historical analysis with contemporary political inquiry. Her recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in analyzing Scottish independence, devolution, and Brexit. The articles and chapters consistently address themes of national identity, political autonomy, and constitutional change, often comparing developments across the UK’s devolved nations. Her work appears in academic journals, edited volumes, and scientific blogs, demonstrating both scholarly rigor and public engagement. President of the French Society for Scottish Studies (SFEE) since 2023 Former Vice-President and Treasurer of SFEE HCERES expert since 2018 Former member of the editorial board of Miranda (2009–2021) Member of the editorial board of Caliban since 2014 Chair of the SAES/AFEA Book Prize Jury (2021–2022) Nathalie Duclos actively supervises PhD students in Scottish civilization, including research on Scottish and Welsh independence movements, 18th–19th century Scottish settlers in Tobago, and the Scottish National Party’s relations with Northern Europe. She co-directs the WISE Connections seminar (Wales-Ireland-Scotland-England) and has led collaborative research cycles with other French universities. She has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. She is affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS), a research laboratory focused on Anglophone cultures, where she contributes to multiple research axes and seminars. Her work bridges academic research and public policy discourse, especially through her blog posts and participation in national and international academic networks.
