Neurodivergence in the workplace and academia
Neurodivergence in the workplace and academia
- Event time: 1:10pm until 2:00pm
- Event date: 26th November 2026
- Speaker: Ms. Gillian Turnbull (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Location: Room 6201, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
This talk explores the everyday experience of neurodivergence in the workplace and academia, with a particular focus on the barriers that neurodivergent people can face and how these are often misunderstood. Drawing on real-world examples, including my own experiences as a neurodivergent student and researcher across several academic institutions, we look at what these experiences can actually feel like, why seemingly small things can become significant barriers, and how they can affect communication, learning, research and work.
I share what has helped, what has made things harder, and why small changes can make a big difference. The aim is for everyone to leave with a better understanding of their neurodivergent colleagues, along with practical ideas they can use to create more supportive and inclusive workplaces where everyone can do their best work.
About EDI open lunchtime meetings
Physics & Astronomy Equality, Diversity & Inclusion lunchtime meetings - everyone in the School is welcome - both students and staff. Most meetings are at lunchtime. Our aim is to discuss and learn on how to be the best physicists we can be. We host a range of speakers - from our own students and staff to Nobel prize winners - on topics including physics education, outreach, gender & physics, race & physics, decolonising physics, as well as discussing current physics & astronomy research!.