UHI researchers among RSE award recipients

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has announced the allocation of over £680,000 to support 48 exceptional research projects across Scotland in its spring 2024 Research Awards open call. Among the distinguished recipients are researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), who have been recognised for their innovative and impactful work.

Dr Jim MacPherson from UHI Centre for History has been awarded for his project ‘Traces of empire: Sites of coloniality in the Eastern Highlands’. This project is set to explore historical sites and their colonial legacies, shedding light on the nuanced impacts of colonialism in the region.

Additionally, Dr Oisín Plumb and Dr Andrew Lind from UHI’s Institute for Northern Studies have been granted support for the project ‘Mapping identities: Visual depictions of Scotland’. This research will explore the ways in which maps have been used to interpret and shape Scottish understanding of the present, past and future.

Dr Oisín Plumb and Dr Andrew Lind expressed their pleasure: “We are delighted to have been successful in securing a collaboration grant from RSE. This grant will allow us to bring together scholars from across the UK in a series of workshops and a conference, investigating how maps have helped to shape, and have been shaped by, local and national identities in Scotland from ancient times to the present day. Collaboration with libraries and archives throughout Scotland will ensure that important collections are at the forefront of this research. We will be showcasing the findings of the project to the public the length and breadth of Scotland with a series of public talks and a travelling banner exhibition.”

Professor Neil Simco, Deputy Principal Academic and Research added: “These awards highlight UHI's commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering research that addresses both local and global challenges. The RSE’s funding will enable these researchers to further their work, contributing significantly to academic and societal advancements.”

The RSE Research Awards programme, running biannually in spring and autumn, playing a crucial role in nurturing promising talent, stimulating research in Scotland, and promoting international collaboration. This round includes projects from 12 Scottish Higher Education institutions and extends the reach of Scottish research with collaborators from 26 institutions worldwide, including those in Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, France, and South Africa.

Professor Anne Anderson OBE FRSE, RSE Vice President Research, remarked, "The recipients of these awards will drive advancements in knowledge, tackle global challenges, and make significant contributions to Scottish society. On behalf of the RSE, I congratulate these distinguished researchers and their international collaborators and eagerly anticipate the results of their endeavours."

More information about the RSE Research Awards and the full list of awardees.