Theme: Voices of Change

Welcome to "Voices of Change", a TEDx event driven by the insatiable curiosity of ideas that acts as a powerful force in bringing us together. In a world brimming with challenges and opportunities, this event explores the dynamic ways we remain connected and how ideas serve as the architects shaping and inspiring our collective tomorrow. Our TEDx stage is graced by an impressive lineup of guest speakers, visionaries, and thought leaders who embody the spirit of exploration and innovation around change. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on the intersection of curiosity, connectivity, and the transformative power of ideas. As our guest speakers take to the stage, they will share their insights and experiences about change, offering a glimpse into the ways curiosity has fuelled their personal and professional journeys.

The ideas presented at "Voices of Change" are not just theoretical concepts but practical catalysts for change. Attendees will be inspired to contribute to the ongoing narrative of change in our shared futures, as these ideas serve as the building blocks for a world shaped by collaboration, understanding and innovation.

The event will be filled with intellectual exploration, engaging discussions, and a celebration of the curiosity that propels us forward. "Voices of Change" is not just an event; it's a call to action, an invitation to collectively shape a tomorrow that is brighter, more connected, and inspired by the limitless potential of human curiosity.

Boroughmuir High School
111 Viewforth
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, EH11 1FL
United Kingdom

Clara Doran

GP and writer

Dr Clara Doran, a St George’s alumna, cares about your brain. After graduating from Newcastle University in 2002 aged 22, she started work as a medical doctor in the North East of England before returning to Edinburgh in 200. Specialising in General Practice, she worked in both NHS and Private Practice for 20 years. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013 and following this, she has become passionate about brain health and understanding more about how we can live longer, happier lives. After studying Functional Medicine with the US based Institute of Functional Medicine and Sleep Medicine from Edinburgh University, she founded Noggin The Brain People. A keen writer since childhood, her self-narrated memoir “Doctor, Interrupted- from Doctor to Patient and Back Again” was published October 2024. Clara’s second book “Heads Up-How to look after your brain so it will look after you”, will be published in the UK and US in May 2025.

Emily Mann

Student

Emily is a S4 pupil in Edinburgh. She is a member of her school’s feminist society and her speech will be about the importance of becoming an active feminist. She hopes that her audience will walk away inspired by the potential of feminism and how we can all help create a better and more equal future.

Ione Fine

Professor, University of Washington

Ione Fine is a St George’s alumna and a Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her research examines perceptual learning and brain plasticity with an emphasis on the effects of blindness and building better sight recovery technologies – ‘bionic eyes’. Her current research focusses on building computational ‘virtual patients’ to help us predict whether or not a sight-recovery technology is likely to provide useful vision to patient.

Rose Henderson

Student

Rose is a curious and passionate student who is deeply interested in the interplay between culture and conservation, and how this relationship evolves in modern times. Her talk will explore the challenges facing snow leopard conservation and delve into the intricate balance between local communities and wildlife in the Himalayas, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural traditions and modern environmental pressures and the critical role that local communities play in shaping the future of these elusive creatures.

Rosie Zisman

Student

Rosie is one of the vice school captains at Boroughmuir high school and is currently studying advanced higher physics, Graphic communications and higher photography. She is the Goal Keeper of the school’s senior hockey team and has been a committed member of the school’s eco committee for 5 years, and this past year has been helping run it. Rosie’s future plans include taking a year out to travel and study German, before going on to university to study Product Design Engineering.

Sophie Gordon

Student

Sophie Gordon is School Captain of Boroughmuir High School where she is currently studying Advanced Higher English, Modern Studies, Biology and the Science Baccalaureate. Sophie is a member of the school hockey and netball team, orchestra and Ceilidh band, playing the violin. Out with school Sophie is Captain of her netball club performance team and Scottish Cup team. Sophie is pursuing a career in law.

Steven Martz

Teaching Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Originally from Canada, Edinburgh has been home for over 20 years. I am a senior consultant to the investment management industry with a focus on risk and governance, and a Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh where I deliver courses in philosophy and the development of the Western intellectual tradition. I hold a PhD in 18th & 19th century German philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. Recent interests have been Aquinas, early Marx, Edmund Burke, the history of risk, and the Spectacular Society.

Thalia Parker

Student

Thalia is a student at Boroughmuir High School and hopes to study English in the future. In her free time, she is an Explorer Scout and has a strong appreciation for the natural world. She enjoys reading and crocheting and works at a local independent bookshop. Additionally, Thalia volunteers as a young leader for younger scouting sections in her community.

Yaroslava Spodin

Student

Yaroslava enjoys discussing diverse ideas and perspectives, leading her school’s debating club to further develop her skills in articulating and defending complex topics effectively. Originally from Ukraine, she moved to Edinburgh just before the war, an experience that reshaped her understanding of resilience and change. Witnessing the destruction in her home country deepened her interest in how architecture can restore communities, identity, and hope. Her talk will examine how cities can emerge from devastation stronger than before, using innovation and design to foster healing and inspiration. She hopes the audience will leave with a new perspective on rebuilding—not just as a means of recovery, but as an opportunity to create a more connected and resilient future.