Research Impact Prize winners announced

The University's second annual Impact Festival concluded with a celebratory event where Edinburgh researchers and research support staff received prizes for outstanding engagement and impact-related activities.

This year’s Impact Festival brought more than 260 colleagues to McEwan Hall on 29 May for a day packed with workshops, panel discussions and networking. 

Professor Christina Boswell, Vice-Principal Research and Enterprise, hosted the Celebrating Research Impact event and presented the Research Impact Prizes across five categories. The winning and highly commended nominations were selected by a judging panel who reviewed 57 nominations from across the University.

Professor Christina Boswell, Vice-Principal Research and Enterprise said:

The Impact Festival has already become an institution, demonstrating the University’s commitment to drive meaningful change through research. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this day such a success, and congratulations to all the Research Impact Prize winners and nominees for your outstanding contributions to research impact and innovation. 

Before the prize giving, Dr Adrian Garcia-Burgos from the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences enthralled the audience with a taster of his ‘Science is Magic’ show, which combines interactive illusions and scientific principles.

  • McEwan Hall pictured on a sunny day
  • Colleagues pictured smiling at the Impact Festival
  • Colleagues talking at the Impact Festival
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Fesitval
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Fesitval
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Fesitval
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Fesitval
  • Wide shot of the set up at McEwan Hall
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Fesitval
  • Colleagues during a session at The Impact Festival
  • Colleagues looking towards the stage in McEwan Hall
  • Dr Adrian Garcia-Burgos from the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences enthralled the audience with a taster of his ‘Science is Magic’ show, which combines interactive illusions and scientific principles.

Dr Anne-Sofie Laegran, Head of the Research Engagement and Impact team, ERO said:

The Celebrating Research Impact event brought a most inspiring day to a close. With sessions ranging from how to influence policy and practice to integrating public perspectives into research and working in partnership, the Impact Festival offered a fantastic opportunity to learn about all the ways in which University of Edinburgh research is being effectively translated into positive change. Events like this contribute to foster a culture where research impact is nurtured and recognised.  

The 2025 winners are…

The Engagement Newcomer award went to Dr Livvy Swann for her proactive and empathetic approach in the Homes, Heat and Healthy Kids Study. By developing relationships with a parent group before starting her study, Dr Swann ensured her research would directly benefit those it aimed to help. 

The Impact Enabler award was presented to Nicola Osborne for exceptional leadership in managing the Creative Informatics programme. This initiative has successfully bridged the gap between creative industries and the tech sector, engaging over 3,000 businesses and fostering innovation through data-driven solutions. 

The Responsible Engagement and Innovation award went to Dr Ingrid Young for her interdisciplinary work that addresses inequalities in HIV prevention and LGBTQ+ health. Her advocacy for equitable healthcare policies and inclusive, art-based initiatives is having a profound impact on community stakeholders and policymakers.

The Sustained Partnership award saw a tie, with accolades going to both the RC3 team and the Scottish Youth Work Research Steering Group. The RC3 team's long-term collaboration with institutions in Madagascar has enhanced the resilience of traditional structures against cyclones. The Scottish Youth Work Research Steering Group has supported the development of evidence-based, data-driven practices within Scotland's youth work sector for over a decade.

The Team Culture award went to the UNCOVER team, led by Professor Evi Theodoratou and Dr Ruth McQuillan. Launched during the pandemic, UNCOVER has provided rapid evidence reviews crucial for policymaking, demonstrating an exemplary commitment to inclusivity and diversity within its team.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

Full details of the winners and those highly commended for each category are available on the Impact Festival SharePoint site:

Impact Festival SharePoint page (EASE log-in required)

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