School of Social and Political Science

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Professor Ailsa Henderson has won the University of Edinburgh’s Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science.

She received the prestigious University prize, which is rarely awarded to social scientists, in recognition of her outstanding work in measuring, analysing, and communicating public attitudes in Scotland and across the union.

The University of Edinburgh awards the Tam Dalyell Prize annually to an individual or group for exceptional work in communicating science to engage public audiences.

A leading voice on the UK's constitutional future

Professor Henderson’s research is at the forefront of understanding voter behaviour, national identity, and the constitutional future of the UK. She is the Principal Investigator for the ESRC-funded Scottish Election Study — which recently received funding to continue tracking Scottish political attitudes through to 2031 — and co-directs the State of the Union survey, a 360-degree review of attitudes towards the union across all four UK nations.

Her extensive work, including the recent Ambivalent Union report and her co-authored book Englishness: The political force transforming Britain, has been vital in mapping how the public responds to major political shifts like Brexit, devolution, and the Scottish independence debate.

Through regular public commentary, media engagement, and accessible data reporting, Professor Henderson has consistently championed the importance of evidence-led decision-making, helping the public and policymakers alike understand the complex, and sometimes contradictory, drivers of modern British political culture.

Professor Meryl Kenny, Head of Politics and International Relations at the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) said:

“This is a wonderful achievement and a richly deserved recognition of Professor Henderson’s world-leading research on voting behaviour and attitudes to the constitution and the future of the state. In an age of misinformation, disinformation, and partisan politics, Ailsa’s clear, straightforward and authoritative voice cuts through the noise - drawing on high-quality research to inform real-world political debates and foster informed public participation.”

The Head of School for SPS, Professor John Devaney, said: " I would like to congratulate Ailsa on behalf of the School for this well-deserved recognition. The Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science is a highly regarded personal award within the university, and Ailsa is a fitting recipient. Her research and expertise on voting intentions and behaviour is internationally regarded, while within the media Ailsa is seen as an authority who is able to convey complexity and nuance in ways which illuminate public understanding and discourse.”

Learn more about the Tam Dalyell Prize and its previous winners.

The Tam Dalyell Prize Lecture

Professor Henderson will deliver the Tam Dalyell Prize Lecture as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival

From the lecture description:
Scotland is often portrayed as politically distinct from the rest of the UK - an idea that underpins devolution. However, on core values, voters in Scotland frequently look very similar to voters in the rest of the UK. During her lecture, Professor Henderson will explore why these perceptions of difference still matter, and show how assumptions of uniformity, including about British national identity and our shared past, have wider implications for the state.

Event Details:

• What: Tam Dalyell Prize Lecture
• When: Thursday 16 April, 6:00 pm
• Where: Playfair Library, Old College, South Bridge
• Booking: Tickets and further information are available via the Edinburgh Science Festival website.