Edinburgh Medal awarded to Vaccine Confidence Project’s Heidi Larson

This year’s Edinburgh Science Festival is awarding the prestigious Edinburgh Medal to anthropologist and author Heidi Larson, the founding director of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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The award is in recognition 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 and author, Professor Devi Sridhar will be giving the Oration at this year’s Edinburgh Medal Address as part of the 2021 Festival.

L-R: Prof. Sridhar, Prof. Larson and Prof. Bauld

Professor Sridhar’s research considers the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Joining her is Professor Linda Bauld and John Usher Professor of Public Health, Edinburgh University who will be delivering the Vote of Thanks at the ceremony.

Her research focuses on two main areas: the evaluation of complex public health interventions; and the use of evidence to inform health policy.

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Over the last 14 months, both Professors Sridhar and Bauld have become household names as public health experts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prof. Larson said: “I am honoured to receive this year’s Edinburgh Medal. The Medal reflects not only a recognition of my scientific work, 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 said: “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.”

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Prof. Bauld said: “Vaccines save lives. History tells us that this is obvious, but the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us.

"Professor Larson has been a champion for the role of social scientists in infectious disease response. Her research has helped us better understand how to build trust and address misinformation as we emerge from the current crisis.

"We owe her, and the researchers she has mentored, a debt of gratitude for their work on vaccine hesitancy and the social and political factors that affect uptake. I'm delighted to be involved in awarding her the Edinburgh Medal.”

Amanda Tyndall, creative and festival director at Edinburgh Science Festival said: “Vaccines are a vital part of our response to infectious diseases but global uncertainty and misinformation can hamper efforts to combat the challenges these diseases present. At a time like this the work of Prof. Larson – approaching the issue with empathy and understanding, not condemnation – has never been more important and we are very proud she is receiving the 2021 Edinburgh Medal.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross added: “This year vaccinations have come to the forefront of all our minds and it is entirely fitting that Prof Heidi Larson is the recipient of this year’s medal for her work as founding director of the Vaccine Confidence Project which evaluates and addresses vaccine hesitancy.

"Professor Larson’s work is vital in recognising the importance of popular and widespread misunderstandings and providing guidance to engage the public early and pre-empting potential disruptions to roll out of vaccines.”

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