UofG academics elected as Fellows of The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Published: 24 March 2025
Five researchers linked to the University of Glasgow are among the 2025 cohort of Fellows elected to The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Five researchers linked to the University of Glasgow are among the 2025 cohort of Fellows elected to The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Fellows are elected to Scotland’s National Academy for their exceptional achievements and acumen in the world of science, mathematics, business, and the arts.
The five new Glasgow-affiliated academics are (l-r in image above) Professor Qammer Abbasi, Professor Todd Ehlers, Professor Lorna Hughes, Professor Olivia Wu and Bruce Adamson.
Qammer Abbasi is Professor of Applied Electromagnetics and Sensing at the James Watt School of Engineering. He said: “I am truly honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Society. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and the impactful research we are driving together to serve society. I look forward to contributing to the RSE’s mission, fostering innovation, and working towards advancements that benefit the society at large.”
Professor Todd Ehlers is Head of the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences. He said: “I’m honoured and humbled to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The RSE plays an essential role in advising the public and policymakers on addressing the diverse challenges confronting our world. I look forward to contributing where I can, to help build a better future for Scotland and our planet.”
Lorna Hughes is Professor of Digital Humanities at the School of Humanities and a Dean for Global Engagement. She said: “It’s a great honour to be elected as a RSE Fellow, in recognition of my work in digital humanities and heritage. I look forward to working with the RSE to champion community-generated digital content and cultural heritage infrastructures, contributing to Scotland's knowledge ecosystem through collaborative research that crosses traditional boundaries between technology, humanities, and public engagement.”
Professor Olivia Wu is the University’s William R Lindsay Chair of Health Economics and co-Director of Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) Research Unit at the School of Health and Wellbeing, as well as being Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mahidol University in Thailand. She said: "It’s a huge honour to be elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. I'm looking forward to collaborating with Fellows across different disciplines and communities, to develop innovative approaches to tackling complex challenges in society, both nationally and internationally.”
Bruce Adamson, formerly Professor of Practice at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law, was Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland between 2017 and 2023. Mr Adamson said: "The RSE and its Fellows have played an essential role in Scotland's progress on human rights. Now, human rights are under attack across the world and long held values of peace and human dignity are being challenged. This makes the RSE's commitment to use knowledge as a bright ray of light against the darkness ever more important. I am hugely honoured to be part of this important work.”
Among those also recognised was businessman Brian McBride, a University of Glasgow alumnus, former Court member and current member of Campaign Development Board. Mr McBride received an honorary degree last year.
President of the RSE, Professor Sir John Ball PRSE, said: “It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of our new Fellows – from the worlds of academia, public service, business, and the arts – to Scotland’s National Academy.
“They represent excellence in their fields and will reinforce our ability to tackle the challenges that Scotland, and indeed the wider world, faces now and in the future.
“Across a range of disciplines, they have each shown an unshakeable commitment to their research, work or craft, and it is exactly this superlative level of accomplishment that makes them belong as Fellows of the RSE.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our new Fellows, and I hope they will avail themselves of all that our great National Academy has to offer them.”
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has also been made a Royal Honorary Fellow of the RSE, joining the Society’s patron His Majesty King Charles III, The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal.
First published: 24 March 2025