Professor recognised with prestigious RSE Fellowship

Professor Paul Cairney has been elected as Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

The Professor of Politics and Public Policy has been elected in recognition of excellence in his discipline, and an ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.

The RSE was founded in 1783 and leverages the combined knowledge of its 1,800-strong Fellowship to tackle the most pressing issues facing society, provide independent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Policymaking research

Professor Cairney uses scientific research on policymaking to inform real-world problems, at Scottish, UK, and EU levels of government. In October 2025, he became the Principal Investigator of the UKRI-funded FORTH2O, which fosters policy innovation and coherence through collaboration.

Professor Cairney, said: “I am delighted to have been elected as a Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

“I look forward to working with many new colleagues to show how research can inform policy routinely, and to help early career colleagues understand the policy processes in which they engage.”

Knowledge for the public good

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “On behalf of the University community, I warmly congratulate Professor Paul Cairney on being elected as a Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

“We are very proud of Professor Cairney's achievements and of this recognition by the RSE, a prestigious organisation of international renown which celebrates excellence and advances knowledge for the public good.”

Professor Cairney is among 43 individuals elected as RSE Fellows in 2026, who will use their knowledge for the public good as part of Scotland’s National Academy.

Multidisciplinary perspectives

RSE President Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli PRSE said: “It is a great privilege to welcome this group of such exceptional people into the Fellowship of the RSE.

“Each of our new Fellows brings a unique background, expertise and insight to the National Academy of Scotland, and we are thrilled to have them join us.

“The challenges that face Scotland, and the world, are numerous and growing. The RSE’s diverse membership and its expertise enable us to bring multidisciplinary perspectives to a wide range of issues of significance for Scotland and the world, including some of today’s most pressing health issues.

“Today’s new Fellows from across sciences, humanities, creative arts, and the professions have demonstrated excellence in their field, and a commitment to use their knowledge for public good.

“On behalf of the Society, I congratulate them all on their tremendous achievements.”