Our people

From environmental stewardship to community care and climate education, donor support is helping to accelerate the University’s response to the climate crisis in diverse and meaningful ways.

Giselle Gonzales has been recognised as a finalist in the Being Edinburgh Award for her work using technology, storytelling and impact sourcing to empower displaced communities and form bridges between the public and private sector. 

Hana Mahmood, an alumna of the University, has been recognised as a finalist in the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award for turning her research findings into national health policies that impact millions of children. 

During Black History Month 2025, we hear from Dr Omolabake Fakunle on why this year feels different from others, following the publication of the University’s Race Review and why its crucial that we embrace the Race Review Response Group’s recommendations.

An online platform co-created by Sinead Rhodes, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology at the University, is offering practical help for children with conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyspraxia.

Jimmy Paul, an alumnus of the University, has been recognised as a finalist in the Being Edinburgh Award for his work on transforming the care system and giving a voice to vulnerable people.

Hammed Kayode Alabi, an EdTech leader, social entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and author, has won the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award for his work on empowering young leaders in his community through education.

From a childhood in China to leading the School of Engineering in Edinburgh, Professor Guangzhao Mao has blazed a trail for women in engineering.

Renowned former NASA astronaut and oceanographer Kathy Sullivan made a special trip from the US in April to the University. She talks of her epic adventures, her connection to our HMS Challenger archives, and why space and ocean research is as vital as ever.

Earlier this month, more than one hundred people attended a symposium focused on accent bias at Edinburgh, across Higher Education and in wider society.

From recovering after her first Olympics to moving country for the first time and embarking on a masters degree, Edinburgh student Aleksandra Kalucka has been having a big year.