Visiting Professor Penelope (Penny) Weller shares her experience at Edinburgh Napier University
Professor Penelope (Penny) Weller joined the Centre for Mental Health Practice, Policy and Law Research at the end of August 2023 and is currently at Edinburgh Napier University as a Visiting Academic. She is a law professor from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, and an international expert in the fields of Human Rights Law, Health Law, Mental Health and Capacity Law, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Whilst here, Penny is conducting a review in collaboration with Professor Jill Stavert on the reform of mental health law across the UK, funded by the British Academy. She states that “it is delightful to be in beautiful Edinburgh again after 5 years. I was lucky enough to enjoy the warm weather earlier and now the beautiful Christmas lights as we rush toward the end of the year.
It is good to visit Edinburgh Napier University again and connect with my close colleagues Professor Jill Stavert and Professor Colin McKay. We are joined in the global effort to transform mental health law. It is wonderful to also be part of the broader group attached to the new Centre for Mental Health Practice, Policy, and Law Research and meet these enthusiastic researchers.”
Penny has thoroughly enjoyed her time on campus as well, mentioning that “Sighthill campus is always interesting. Last week there were therapy dogs in the café. This is a lovely reminder of the progress that can be made when people look for creative solutions to individual needs.”
In conclusion, Penny hopes that her work in Scotland contributes to the development of a deeper understanding of the relationship between law and practice, underscored by the importance of robust interdisciplinary research for the resolution of social problems. Penny gives “special thanks to the British Academy and Edinburgh Napier University” for this experience.