AMERICAN anthropologist Heidi Larson has been awarded with the prestigious Edinburgh Medal.
The Founding Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project will be presented with the Medal as part of this years Edinburgh Science Festival.
The Edinburgh Medal is an award presented to women and men of science who are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and wellbeing of humanity.
Professor Larson recieves the award because of the role she has played in recognising the importance of popular and widespread misunderstandings of vaccines and of her work to advance public health and social wellbeing for the benefit of all.
Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Devi Sridhar will be giving the Oration at the Edinburgh Medal ceremony, with Professor Linda Bauld, Bruce and John Usher Professor of Public Health, Edinburgh University, delivering the Vote of Thanks.
Prof. Larson said: “I am honoured to receive this year’s Edinburgh Medal. The Medal reflects not only a recognition of my scientific work, for which I am very grateful, but also an important acknowledgement of the challenging information and trust environment, which needs new approaches as we continually renew the relationship between science and society.”
Prof. Sridhar added: “I am delighted to be delivering the Oration at this year’s Edinburgh Medal which celebrates the scientific achievements of Prof. Heidi Larson.
“Her vital research into vaccine hesitancy and how to address it is crucial in helping us win the race to vaccinate the world and end the Covid-19 pandemic.”
This year’s Edinburgh Science Festival has moved from its usual Easter slot and takes place later in the month exploring the theme of One World: Science Connects Us.
