Speakers
Workshop
Researchers from minoritised backgrounds remain underrepresented at senior and professorial levels in academia, with Black researchers particularly underrepresented across the UK research community. Structural barriers to accessing funding and navigating research opportunities continue to limit participation, reducing the diversity of voices shaping the future of research. Securing grant funding is a critical component of building research capacity and progressing academic careers; however, for many researchers from minoritised backgrounds, obtaining and managing grants remains challenging.
Dr Sophia Amenyah is a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow and Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, UK. She is an interdisciplinary researcher with expertise spanning both the biomedical and social sciences. As an early-career researcher, Sophia has developed an impressive funding profile, securing over £869,000 across eight competitive research projects, including five as Principal Investigator. Her work has been supported by prestigious funders such as the NIHR, the Vivensa Foundation, the UKRI (BBSRC/MRC) Food4Years Network, and Alzheimer’s Research UK. In addition, her academic training was supported by internationally recognised awards, including an Ulster University Vice-Chancellor’s Research Scholarship and the Belgium VLIR-UOS scholarship.
Sophia holds a PhD in Nutrition and Genomics Medicine and is a Registered Nutritionist. Her research focuses on co-production and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding inequalities in ageing, the biological and social determinants of nutrition, and the co-creation of community-based food models with underserved communities.
Sophia is an inspirational emerging leader whose career reflects resilience and determination. She is also a passionate advocate for her community, supporting others through community development work, mentoring, and research that centres lived experience and social impact.