Emeritus Professor Debi Roberson, a trailblazing psychologist and artist, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024. Debi’s academic journey began as a mature student at the University of Essex, where she became the first to earn a 1st in Psychology and later rose to Professor. Her groundbreaking research into color perception and language, conducted in remote regions like Papua New Guinea, earned her international acclaim, including a Nature publication and the BPS Cognitive Psychology Award. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, she remained a pioneer, participating in one of the first stem cell replacement trials. Beyond academia, Debi lived a vibrant, adventurous life, embracing roles in art, travel, and community service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Tributes to Debi can be read in full at the following address: https://www.essex.ac.uk/blog/posts/2024/12/18/tributes-to-professor-debi-roberson
The STEM-PD Clinical Trial 