Breaking down barriers: what does it take to build a more equal society?

Join us for an online panel discussion on how we can address systemic inequality and work toward a more equal society. Our expert panellists will share practical approaches on ways to make the most of collective creativity, expertise, and passion to create lasting, positive change.

The discussion will explore the complexities of inequality and why intersectional approaches are essential to addressing them. From community-based initiatives to policy shifts, we’ll hear about what’s working and what still needs to change.

The event aims to inspire a collective mindset shift towards creating a more equal society where everyone has access to opportunities and resources. By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive dialogue, we can work together to build a better future for everyone.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

Speaker

Professor Kate Pickett OBE FRSA FFPH FAcSS

Professor of Epidemiology, University of York

Professor Kate Pickett trained in biological anthropology at University of Cambridge, nutritional sciences at Cornell University and epidemiology at UC-Berkeley. She is currently Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Health Sciences, where she leads the Public Health & Society research group and is Director of the Born in Bradford Center for Social Change at the University of York. She is an academic co-director of Health Equity North. Kate is a Fellow of the RSA and of the UK Faculty of Public Health and the Academy of Social Sciences. She is co-author, with Richard Wilkinson, of the award-winning and best-selling The Spirit Level (2009) and The Inner Level (2018). The Spirit Level was awarded Publication of the Year by the Political Studies Association, chosen as one of the Top Ten Books of the Decade by the New Statesman, and one of the top 100 books of the century by the Guardian. She is a co-founder and patron of The Equality Trust. In 2023, Kate received an OBE for services to societal equality.

Speaker

Professor Gerald McCartney

Professor of Wellbeing Economy (Urban Studies & Social Policy) and Associate, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow

Professor Gerald McCartney graduated from medicine at the University of Glasgow and did his GP vocational training in Paisley. Whilst working as a junior doctor he completed an honours degree in Economics and Development at the University of London. Subsequently he trained in Public health before taking up post as Head of the Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO). There he led programmes of research on: the higher mortality in Scotland and Glasgow compared to similarly socioeconomically deprived populations; the causes and solutions to health inequalities; the economic determinants of population health; and the causes of the stalled trends in life expectancy across many high-income countries. In September 2021 he was appointed as Professor of Wellbeing Economy at the University of Glasgow and researches and teaches on how economies can be redesigned to respond to the polycrisis, and on the links between economics and population health.

Speaker

Dr Nour Ghadban

Postdoctoral Researcher, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow

Dr Nour Ghadban (Senior Member, IEEE) is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. She received her PhD with honours from Tishreen University, Syria, and was awarded the prestigious L’Oréal- UNESCO For Women in Science Award for her doctoral work. Formerly a CARA Fellow and Lecturer at Tishreen University, Dr Ghadban has extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, and academic support. Her research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, real-time systems, and healthcare technologies. In 2020, she was endorsed as a Global Talent by the Royal Academy of Engineering, and in 2024, she became a member of the RSE Young Academy of Scotland and received the Women in Science Chair Award. A Fellow of the Women’s Engineering Society and Senior Member of IEEE Women in Engineering, Dr Ghadban actively contributes to advancing gender equity and empowering women in science and technology.

Speaker

Oliver Berry

Research Manager, Smart Data Foundry, University of Edinburgh

Oliver has a background in the social sciences and came to Smart Data Foundry in late 2021. Through their work as the organisation’s research manager, they help design and manage research projects involving smart data, as well as assessing and implementing new technologies to further aid research work. They are passionate about working at the forefront of novel data research, and ensuring that outputs from this fit into policy that serves the public interest.

Chair

Brian Connolly

Specialist – Innovation Ecosystems, Scottish Enterprise

Brian Connolly is a strategic partnership leader with 16 years of experience in economic development, specialising in creating collaborative networks that drive positive change across Scotland. Currently serving as Innovation Ecosystems Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, Brian leads the development of innovative approaches to mapping and enhancing innovation ecosystems, with particular focus on balancing local, regional and national priorities to maximise economic opportunity. Through his career, he has built significant experience in areas such as partnership development and strategic research. Beyond his primary role, Brian demonstrates a deep commitment to transformative economic models through his position as a Board Member at the Centre for Thriving Places, Volunteer Lead for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, and his work through the Young Academy of Scotland, where he leads the Equity Grand Challenge and the Communications working group. His appointment to the SFC Task and Finish working group exploring the impact of research and innovation for Scotland, showcase his desire to developing strategic approaches to broadening access to opportunity.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Privacy Policy

Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.