Dr. Joan Mowat | Special Education | Best Researcher Award

Reader at University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom

Dr. Joan Mowat is a Reader at the Strathclyde Institute of Education with a distinguished academic background focused on inclusion, social justice, and educational leadership. Her research prioritizes Social and Emotional Behavioral Needs (SEBN), mental health, and well-being in young people. Dr. Mowat’s work spans across local and international research collaborations, demonstrating her leadership in education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to improving inclusion in education makes her a strong contender for awards in her field.

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Education

Dr. Mowat holds a PhD in Education from the University of Glasgow, awarded in 2008. Prior to this, she earned a Scottish Qualification for Headship from the University of Strathclyde in 2003, equipping her with the leadership credentials necessary for a significant career in education. Her academic foundation was laid with a Diploma in Professional Studies in Education from the University of Strathclyde (1990), and she began her teaching career with a Certificate in Education (with Distinction) from Jordanhill College of Education in 1977. Complementing her extensive educational training, Dr. Mowat also holds a Diploma in Musical Education from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in 1976. Her strong academic background supports her leadership and research work, particularly in the areas of educational inclusion and mental health.

work Experience

Dr. Joan Mowat has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. As a Reader at the Strathclyde Institute of Education, she has conducted significant research on inclusion, social justice, and the socio-emotional wellbeing of young people. Her involvement in external engagements includes acting as an Expert Witness to the Scottish Parliament, where she provided insights into violence in schools. She has also contributed to several educational initiatives, such as serving as a co-lead on the Scottish Universities Insight Institute’s project on poverty, attainment, and wellbeing. In addition to her research, Dr. Mowat has supervised numerous doctoral students and has examined PhDs across institutions in the UK, Australia, and Malawi. Her professional memberships include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Research Focus

Dr. Joan Mowat’s research focuses on inclusion, social justice, and the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, particularly those facing socio-emotional and behavioral challenges. Her work aims to address disparities in education by exploring the relationships between poverty, attainment, and mental health. Dr. Mowat is deeply committed to building equitable, inclusive, and compassionate school communities through relational approaches. She has a specific interest in the transitions within education and how they impact children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Her research also extends into educational leadership, where she advocates for the importance of leadership at all levels in creating sustainable and inclusive school environments. She is currently involved in a five-nation project exploring how inclusion is conceptualized across the UK and Ireland, with plans to further develop this research.

Awards and honors

Dr. Joan Mowat has earned several awards and honors for her contributions to educational research and leadership. In 2022-2023, she was awarded £3,000 by the British Educational Leadership, Management & Administration Society, supplemented by £2,400 from the Scottish Government for her research. She has also led projects supported by various councils and institutions, including South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish College for Educational Leadership, with grants totaling more than £60,000. Her leadership in knowledge exchange is evident in her co-lead role in a £19,400 project from the Scottish Universities Insight Institute. In addition, Dr. Mowat’s consultancy work with public institutions such as Character Education Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council further underscores her influence in shaping educational policy and practice.

Conclusion

Dr. Joan Mowat‘s commitment to social justice, inclusion, and mental health in education, combined with her leadership in high-profile research projects, positions her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated both academic excellence and real-world impact, making her contributions essential to the future of inclusive education. With slight adjustments toward more global outreach, she would be a top contender for this prestigious recognition.

Publications to Noted

Towards a New Conceptualisation of Marginalisation
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 175
Year: 2015
Journal: European Educational Research Journal

The Inclusion of Pupils Perceived as Having Social and Emotional Behavioural Difficulties in Mainstream Schools: A Focus upon Learning
Author: J. Mowat
Citations: 73
Year: 2009
Journal: Support for Learning

Inclusion of Pupils Perceived as Experiencing Social and Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD): Affordances and Constraints
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 68
Year: 2010
Journal: International Journal of Inclusive Education

Closing the Attainment Gap – A Realistic Proposition or an Elusive Pipe-Dream?
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 66
Year: 2018
Journal: Journal of Education Policy

‘Inclusion – That Word!’ Examining Some of the Tensions in Supporting Pupils Experiencing Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties/Needs
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 54
Year: 2015
Journal: Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

Exploring the Impact of Social Inequality and Poverty on the Mental Health and Wellbeing and Attainment of Children and Young People in Scotland
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 48
Year: 2019
Journal: Improving Schools

‘He Comes to Talk to Me About Things’: Supporting Pupils Experiencing Social and Emotional Behavioural Difficulties—A Focus Upon Interpersonal Relationships
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 45
Year: 2010
Journal: Pastoral Care in Education

Towards the Development of Self-Regulation in Pupils Experiencing Social and Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD)
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 39
Year: 2010
Journal: Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

The Development of Intrapersonal Intelligence in Pupils Experiencing Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 32
Year: 2011
Journal: Educational Psychology in Practice

‘Closing the Gap’: Systems Leadership is No Leadership at All Without a Moral Compass – A Scottish Perspective
Author: J.G. Mowat
Citations: 29
Year: 2019
Journal: School Leadership & Management

Joan Mowat | Special Education | Best Researcher Award