Congratulations to Mitchell Institute Honorary Professor of Practice Lord John Alderdice who was presented with the 2025 Coline Covington Award at the 5^th Annual Gala of the New-York based psychoanalytic journal ROOM, which took place on 17 July 2025.   The Gala gave special attention to five individuals who have shown unusual courage in the world and who have boldly contributed to ROOM.

ROOM is a unique psychoanalytically-informed publication, described as a ‘Sketchbook for Analytic Action’ that presents challenging cultural and intellectual papers and artistic insights.  Since its inception, ROOM has been a home for those who give voice to difficult issues, and is described by Editor-in-Chief, Dr Hattie Myers as “a space for people who must speak, who dare to think and feel out loud, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s costly.”

The Coline Covington Award honours individuals who have had profound social impact by making visible what has remained in the shadows.  Their courage inspires us to see ourselves and experience others in new ways that transcend obstacles and ignite change.  Their work embodies the essence of ROOM’s recognition of the power of relationships to heal and transform our worlds following in the footsteps of Coline Covington.  Dr. Covington’s trans-disciplinary work as a psychoanalyst, prolific author, and political activist captures her extraordinary devotion to the possibility of occupying our humanity more fully.  The inaugural award was presented to 2024 honoree, Dr. Bandy X. Lee, for her bravery in confronting authoritarianism and social violence.

The award was presented to Lord Alderdice to honour his courage facing divisions, connecting communities and forging peace through analytic thought.

As part of the Gala, Lord Alderdice had a moving and in-depth conversation with Aneta Stojnic, co-host of the podcast Voices from ROOM.  Also honoured were Tasala Habibyar’s bravely personal account of living in a world that punishes female ambition, female education, and female presence; Jyoti Rao’s thoughts about the psychic and ethical implications of what it means to live in a democratic society today; a tribute to Kara Walker’s art that speaks uncomfortable truths through image, gesture, and form; and Mary Buchinger’s poem, The Ever Restless Voice.

Read more and watch the Honoree Video here.

Lord Alderdice has been a supporter of ROOM since its inception and introduced his friend, Coline Covington, to the journal where she was a much valued contributor until her untimely death in 2023.

 

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