Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.
Breaking down barriers: what does it take to build a more equal society?
When
Friday 12 September 2025
14:00 - 15:30
Format
Online
Cost
Free to book
About
A panel discussion on the complexities of inequality and how to create a fairer society
Join us for a 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.
Tickets are free, but booking is essential.
Event type
Curious
Contributors
Brian Connolly BSc, MSC, ACIT, ProfM (MBA)
Specialist – Innovation Ecosystems, Scottish EnterpriseBrian 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.
Professor Kate Pickett, OBE FRSA FFPH FAcSS
Professor of Epidemiology, University of Yorkate 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.
Professor Gerard McCartney
Professor of Wellbeing Economy (Urban Studies & Social Policy) | Associate (School of Health & Wellbeing), University of GlasgowProfessor 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.
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.
Dr Nour Ghadban
Postdoctoral Researcher, James Watt School of Engineering, University of GlasgowDr 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.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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