Ian Deary

Ian is a Professorial Fellow in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh and a graduate of Edinburgh Medical School. He is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking research into human intelligence, cognitive ageing, and brain health, particularly through the landmark Lothian Birth Cohorts. 

Ian's work has profoundly impacted our understanding of cognitive abilities and their changes with age, with significant implications for medicine, mental health, and society. What sets him apart, however, is his exceptional mentorship and commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. He has created a supportive research environment, giving early-career researchers the opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed. 

Many of his mentees have gone on to become leading professors, a testament to the quality of his mentorship. Ian embodies the best of academic life, combining rigorous science with humility, generosity, and a belief in the potential of others, making him an inspiring figure in the Edinburgh Medical School community.