I am part of the energetic Childhood & Youth Studies Group (https://www.ed.ac.uk/education/rke/our-research/children-young-people/childhood-and-youth-studies-research-group). This includes the Childhood Practice (BA) (https://education-sport.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/childhood-practice) and the MSc Education (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel) pathway (see https://www.ed.ac.uk/education/graduate-school/taught-degrees/msc-education/structure/early-childhood-practice-froebel-pathway).

My own background is within childhood studies and particularly children's human rights. I work within and across a number of policy areas, from education to family law to child protection, on such topics as children affected by domestic abuse, children with disabilities and additional support needs, and mental health. In particular, we have a collaborative programme with children, young people, adult stakeholders and academics, on children and young people’s participation in decision-making. This includes how to involve children and young people meaningfully and ethically within research, as well as policy-making and formal decisions. I have the opportunity to learn from work here in Scotland as well as cross-national work with colleagues in such places as Brazil, Canada, China, Eswatini, India, Norway and South Africa.