Did you know that the School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen is the oldest psychology department in the UK? The first lectureship in psychology was established in Aberdeen in 1896, so for more than a century we have been undertaking research to better understand brain and behaviour, whilst shaping the minds of thousands of students.
As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of our School, we invite our whole community - University members, alumni, and the general public - to mark this extraordinary legacy through an exciting programme of activities and to help shape the future of Psychology at Aberdeen.
What's On
In 2026, a year-long series of twelve monthly events will invite our community to explore the many ways psychology shapes everyday life, health, and society.
| Click on each event to find out more details about the venue and registration. |
| If you have any questions, please email psychology130years@abdn.ac.uk |
Learn about the role of psychology in industry at this interactive hybrid event, bringing together industry professionals and applied psychologists to discuss emerging research. Ask questions, gain expert insights, and connect with practitioners (online streaming available).
We invite you to discuss and learn about projects that make life better for older people, exploring care decisions, memory, social connection, and wellbeing through discussion, posters, and interactive activities open to all. Held at Linklater Rooms.
Join us for an evening of discovery as we explore the mysteries of the mind. With interactive experiences, cutting-edge research demonstrations, and mind-blowing magic shows, this event promises a lively mix of science and wonder. Held at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
All are welcome to a summer celebration marking 130 years of our School with music, drinks, photos, and activities. A relaxed, joyful afternoon for graduates, students, and families to celebrate together our 130 years past and present. Held at Elphinstone Lawn.
We will showcase student research through conference-style poster presentations, sharing insights from mental health projects in Aberdeen. Community partners are invited to explore the work, meet students, and discover opportunities for collaboration. Held at Arts Lecture Theatre.
We will take part in the UK’s largest café discussion series, organised by the University of Aberdeen, bringing research to the public across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through informal, engaging research talks. Held at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Join us for an interactive exploration of perception and attention, featuring illusions, demonstrations, and debate. Two speakers present bold claims; you decide whom to trust before we reveal the science behind each one. Held at King’s College Centre (online streaming available).
Secondary school students from across Scotland will be invited to an exciting conference featuring talks, hands-on workshops, and roundtable discussions, exploring how psychology shapes perception, technology, justice, and everyday life. Held at King’s College Centre.
Don’t miss the annual Anderson Lecture, celebrating the oldest Chair in Psychology in the United Kingdom. This year’s lecture by Prof Neil Macrae promises an engaging, thought-provoking evening. Held at King’s College Centre (online streaming available).
To mark our anniversary, we are launching a dedicated fundraising initiative. Donations to the School of Psychology directly invest in the next generation of psychologists, opening doors to transformative opportunities that many students would otherwise be unable to access.
Your support can fund internships with charities, industry partners, and research teams. A gift today could enable international exchange experiences, provide hardship support when it is needed most, or help ensure that doctoral research continues to push boundaries and nurture future leaders in the field.
With your support, we can help shape the psychologists of tomorrow.
