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Gabriella Rundblad
Professor in Language & Cognition at King's College London
Gabriella Rundblad was a Professor of Language & Cognition at King's College London who sadly passed away in October 2023.1 She was a pioneering researcher in cognitive linguistics, specializing in semantics and pragmatics, with a focus on figurative language.14
Academic Career and Achievements
Professor Rundblad's academic journey began at Stockholm University, where she studied English, German, and Linguistics. She was the first in her family to achieve A-levels.1 While working as an upper-secondary school teacher, she completed her PGCE and PhD, for which she received a Young Researcher award from the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation in 1998.1
At King's College London, Gabriella's career progressed significantly:
- Promoted to Reader in 2016
- Attained the position of Professor in 2020
- Served in various leadership roles, including Deputy Education Lead, School Education Lead, and School Research Lead1
Research Focus
Her main areas of research included:
- Development of language and cognition in mono/bilingual neurotypical and neurodiverse populations
- Language and cognition in health, risk, and disaster communication
- Focus on vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities and neurodiverse individuals13
Professor Rundblad's work was notable for bridging the gap between language and the mind, and language and society.1 Her research approach was described as courageous and innovative, often incorporating untested methods and frameworks.1
Impact and Recognition
Gabriella's work had significant real-world impact:
- Her research with the UK and US water industry on making water quality risks accessible to diverse audiences was documented as one of King's Impact Case Studies for REF20211
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, her projects producing linguistically and culturally tailored advice for minority groups received the inaugural Impact Prize Award from the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy1
Personal Qualities and Mentorship
Colleagues remember Professor Rundblad for her:
- Passion for teaching and mentoring
- Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Kindness and desire to support others in their careers1
She was particularly known for her mentorship of research students and early career researchers, always eager to showcase new talent and create opportunities for those starting their careers.1
Professor Gabriella Rundblad's passing is a significant loss to the academic community, but her legacy continues through her impactful work and the many lives she touched throughout her career.12


