Prof. Linda Bauld OBE - Doctor of Science (DSc)

Professor Linda Bauld OBE, who has been at the forefront of public health research in Scotland for the best part of 30 years, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU).

During RGU’s graduation ceremony at P&J Live in Aberdeen on Thursday 6 July, Professor Bauld was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of her extensive research within public health, particularly in alcohol use and smoking cessation.

The University acknowledges Professor Bauld’s continued work on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Scottish Government’s Chief Social Policy Adviser.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, said: “Professor Bauld has made an immense contribution to helping improve public health with her crucial research which has an impact on all our lives. This work is continuing with her role as an advisor to the Scottish Government as we continue to adapt and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a real honour for the University to be able to recognise a scientist whose inspiring research career is dedicated to finding ways to make us all live happier and healthier by tackling major issues such as cancer, diabetes, and smoking.”

Professor Bauld is a familiar face to many people as she regularly appeared on television during the pandemic using her scientific knowledge to communicate with the public through numerous media appearances to help us all make sense of the latest developments during the pandemic.

The Bruce and John Usher Chair in Public Health in the Usher Institute, College of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, she is a behavioural scientist who research looks at two main areas, the evaluation of complex interventions to improve health, and how research can inform public health policy.

She has undertaken many major advisory roles for government and worked with charities as part of efforts to keep public health at the forefront of the minds of policy makers.

Professor Bauld was scientific adviser on tobacco control to the UK government between 2006 and 2010; Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention champion from July 2014 to July 2021; and adviser to the Covid-19 committee of the Scottish parliament.

She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Faculty of Public Health; and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queens Birthday Honours.