This year’s recipient is Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, world-renowned clinical psychologist recognised for reshaping global perspectives on mood disorders and their treatment, reducing stigma and expanding public understanding of mental illness.

As Dalio Professor in Mood Disorders, Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and co–director of the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center, Dr Jamison’s work blends rigorous science with human insight. Her contributions have helped to define bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) as a distinct biologically driven illness and to influence the widespread use of lithium in its treatment.

Dr Jamison is the co–author of the standard medical text on bipolar illness, recognised by American Association of Publishers as the most outstanding book in biomedical sciences. Her memoir, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness – an exploration of her own experience of bipolar disorder – brought international acclaim for its honest and compassionate portrayal of the illness which, along with her works, has helped to shift public attitudes towards mental health.

Her many distinguished honours include a University of St Andrews Honorary Doctor of Letters, election as a Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a MacArthur Fellowship, and major international awards in psychiatry and mental health.

The Edinburgh Medal is awarded by a representative of the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, with a Vote of Thanks from Prof Robert Crawford, University of St Andrews.

The Lord Provost’s office and Edinburgh Science invite ticket holders to celebrate with the Medallist at a City Chambers drinks reception following the ceremony.