Lily Annabelle Harper-Clark

Lily Annabelle Harper-Clark, Ph.D., is a distinguished Research Fellow at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences in Edinburgh. Over the past two decades, she has been passionately involved in exploring the intricacies of cognitive and social development from childhood through to late adulthood. Her work has taken her around the world, but it's in the heart of Edinburgh that she finds her true calling.

Her publications are extensive and influential, with titles such as "Bridging Worlds: The Role of Play in Child Development" (2004, Edinburgh University Press), "The Social Brain: Mapping Connections across Lifespan" (2017, Oxford), "Childhood in Context: A Global Perspective on Growing Up" (2023, Routledge), and "Neuroplasticity and Learning: Adapting Minds for Future Generations" (2024, MIT Press). She also co-authored "Mindful Engagement: Techniques for Enhancing Personal Growth" (2020, Penguin Random House) and penned the recent guide "Cultivating Empathy: Pathways to Compassionate Living" (2022, HarperCollins).

Lily is an elected member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and holds a certification in mindfulness-based stress reduction. She is known for her engaging workshops on empathy and social intelligence, which have benefited countless educators and parents alike. Moreover, she is the founding editor of the Journal of Empathic Studies, a platform dedicated to advancing research into empathic communication and its impact on society.

In her latest endeavor, Lily initiated a community project in Edinburgh aimed at fostering intergenerational bonds and promoting lifelong learning. This project not only brings together young learners and senior citizens but also encourages dialogue and understanding between different generations, enriching the lives of everyone involved.