What makes a good city? | In-person

What makes a good city – and how can we build one that works for both people and the planet?

This panel discussion invites you to imagine Scotland’s cities differently – to consider not just how cities function, but what they mean for people, communities, and the planet. Hear from leading voices in planning, policy, and environmental research as we explore how cities can support nature recovery, protect young people’s rights, and become more equitable places to live.

Dr Emma Bush will present new research exploring young people’s access to nature in cities and their perspectives on nature in urban life. She’ll be joined by Professor Roger Crofts, Gillian Dick and Julia Leino who will offer grounded insights and bold ideas for a better urban future – one that is within reach.

Whether you're a policymaker, student or simply curious about the future, this conversation will leave you with fresh perspectives and ideas for reimagining greener cities that we call home.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

FACILITATOR

Dr Lydia Cole

Lecturer, School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews

Lydia Cole is a conservation ecologist, interested in how ecosystems, in particular peatlands, can be managed sustainably under contemporary pressures. Past and current projects, involving time in both academia and industry, include: creating remote monitoring tools for UK peatlands; reconstructing past vegetation change and assessing future prospects for Malaysia's coastal peatlands; exploring human-wildlife interaction in northeast India, and human-peatland interaction in the Peruvian Amazon; and investigating the challenges of peatland restoration in rural Scotland. She’s an advocate for finding co-designed solutions to local challenges. Lydia is a lecturer in Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews and Coordinator of online postgraduate programme: Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice. She’s Chair of the British Ecological Society’s Conservation Ecology Special Interest Group and on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Peatland Society. Outside of work, Lydia is usually on her bike, up a hill, or in the sea.

PLENARY SPEAKER

Dr Emma Bush

Nature Based Solutions Scientist, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Emma Bush is an ecosystem scientist tackling key societal challenges through her research in plant functional ecology and socio-ecological systems. Her interdisciplinary and international experience spans temperate and tropical regions, ranging across forest, dryland, coastal and urban ecosystems. At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), she co-leads an action-research programme focused on developing nature- and community-based solutions for urban environments.

Emma is passionate about knowledge exchange and is dedicated to making science accessible to policymakers and the public, with a focus on under-served communities. Her work has received international media attention, and she is a member of the Young Academy of Scotland. Through her work and life, Emma seeks to recognise the deep connectedness between humans and nature and foster greater appreciation of the complex and beautiful planet we call home.

SPEAKER

Gillian Dick

Manager of Spatial Planning, Glasgow City Council

Gillian Dick is Manager of the Spatial Planning – Research & Development team at Glasgow City Council. She holds BSc (Hons) degrees in Town Planning (Heriot-Watt University) and Human Geography (Open University), and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). She serves on the RTPI’s Partnership and Accreditation Panel and chairs the Queen’s University Belfast Planning School Partnership Board. Gillian led Glasgow’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 Connecting Nature project, showcasing the city’s Open Space Strategy and Local Context mapping. With over 14 years of experience in Glasgow and a background in rural planning in Banff & Buchan/Aberdeenshire, she brings a broad perspective to urban and rural development. Her team focuses on creating adaptable, healthy, and connected places that support climate resilience, biodiversity, and community well-being, while promoting innovative land use and integrated environmental infrastructure.

SPEAKER

Professor Roger Crofts FRSE

Convenor Community of Interest on Environment, RSE

Roger Crofts trained as a geographer and geomorphologist. He worked in universities, The Scottish Office, and was the Founder CEO of Scottish Natural Heritage. In retirement he advises, lobbies, writes and talks to anybody who will listen in Scotland, Iceland and internationally on environmental strategy and policy, geoheritage conservation, caring for and protecting nature, and good governance. Roger hopes to help people understand the Earth’s heritage and environment and to care for it more effectively. He remains active in the voluntary environmental and educational bodies in Scotland, the UK, and internationally. For example, he is Convenor of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Environment group. His work has been recognised by numerous honours and awards internationally, in the UK, Scotland and Iceland.

SPEAKER

Julia Leino

Policy & Communications Officer, Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS)

Julia Leino is the Policy & Communications Officer at the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS). ERCS is an environmental law charity that assists the public and civil society to understand and exercise their rights in environmental law and to protect the environment. ERCS operates a free legal advice service and carries out advocacy to improve environmental rights and access to justice.

Most recently, Julia has worked on NPC’s Everyone’s Environment project to co-create recommendations for making environmental policy inclusive to the needs of marginalised groups. She is currently collaborating with community campaigners to tackle the sewage pollution in our waterways, and exploring whether giving nature legal rights could improve environmental protection in Scotland.

Beyond ERCS, Julia has worked on the sustainability of food production, and is interested in how we can better steward our natural environment to address biodiversity loss and health inequalities.

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.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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