SPS academic appointed to the Scottish Science Advisory Council
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School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Kirsten Jenkins has been appointed as an associate member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) for 2025.
The SSAC is Scotland’s highest-level science advisory body, providing independent advice and recommendations on science strategy, policy and priorities to the Scottish Government. It plays a vital role in ensuring that policy decisions are informed by the latest scientific evidence and expertise.
Dr Jenkins, Senior Lecturer in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at SPS, will serve on the council until March 2026. Other University of Edinburgh staff to take up posts on the SSAC this year are Professor Gareth Harrison from the School of Engineering and Professor Julie Jacko from the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
Dr Jenkins said: “I am delighted to be joining the SSAC and to strengthen the representation of social science perspectives within the council. Scotland’s scientific advancements must be seen through a technical and social lens. Membership provides an important opportunity not just to brief the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland and Scottish ministers on world-leading scientific advancements, but to ensure that these contributions support Just Transition goals and reduce inequality.”