Three Usher Institute colleagues appointed to RSE Young Academy of Scotland

Three colleagues from the Usher Institute have been appointed as members of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy of Scotland, recognising their expertise, leadership and commitment to using research and innovation to address challenges facing society.

Lauren Gibson, ECAT Fellow and PhD student, and Chancellor’s Fellows Jaime Garcia Iglesias and Giulia De Togni – all from the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society – are among 42 new members appointed to the Young Academy of Scotland this year, selected from 150 applications.

Established by the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2011, the Young Academy of Scotland brings together emerging leaders from a wide range of sectors – including academia, business, education, entrepreneurship and the professions – to collaborate on projects that benefit Scotland and the wider world.

Through its interdisciplinary membership, the Young Academy of Scotland explores pressing social issues, informs public debate, amplifies diverse perspectives and helps drive positive change. Members contribute to projects aligned with three key themes: Environment, enabling people in Scotland to thrive sustainably; Equity, supporting a more diverse, inclusive and just society; and Exchange, encouraging respectful dialogue and the sharing of ideas.

The Academy is part of a global network of Young Academies and provides opportunities for members to work across disciplines, sectors and communities to develop solutions to complex challenges.

I am absolutely delighted to be joining the RSE Young Academy of Scotland. As a pharmacist now working within academia, I will bring to YAS experience of working both on the front line of health services, together with insights from academic research. With this collaboration of both the practical and academic I aim to create and contribute to useful learning that makes a real difference to the people of Scotland. My interests and experience lie within improving health inequalities, health deprivation, drug related deaths, and homeless healthcare through innovative service delivery. My true passion is to support and empower those underserved in our marginalised Scottish communities. Joining YAS with its network of interesting and talented people will be a fantastic way for me to continue to contribute to solving Scotland’s societal grand challenges.

Miss Lauren Gibson ECAT Fellow and PhD student, Usher Institute

I am delighted to be joining the Young Academy of Scotland. This appointment is an opportunity to contribute to Scotland's civic and intellectual life. My research explores how inequality, community knowledge, and lived experience shape health. In my career, I'm focused on ensuring that research is translated into action through collaboration. Joining YAS feels like a natural extension of that commitment. I am particularly excited to contribute to projects that address health inequalities, public trust in science, and public engagement, and in exploring ways that YAS can work more closely with local communities and young people.

Dr Jaime Garcia Iglesias Chancellor’s Fellow, Usher Institute

I am honoured and excited to join the RSE Young Academy of Scotland and look forward to contributing social science insight and evidence to its vibrant, interdisciplinary community. As an elected member, I plan to help strengthen national and international collaborations, particularly in AI and robotics for healthcare and social care, helping position Scotland as a global leader in innovation. Through my work addressing responsible, ethical and sustainable research and innovation in AI and robotics for healthcare and social care, I aim to contribute meaningfully to YAS’s multidisciplinary, cross-sector mission and help tackle Scotland’s present and future societal challenges.

Dr Giulia De Togni Chancellor’s Fellow, Usher Institute

I am delighted to welcome this incredible group of new members to The Young Academy of Scotland. Each of these individuals brings unique talents and expertise to YAS, and I look forward to seeing them combine their knowledge to create projects which address the many challenges facing Scotland and the world.

We are particularly pleased to see our At-Risk Academic and Refugee membership programme continue to flourish, and we are proud to welcome inspiring leaders from Scotland’s asylum seeking-communities into our membership.

Dr Caroline Müellenbroich Co-Chair of RSE Young Academy of Scotland

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