Speakers
Professor Leanne Williams
Plenary Session
Representation in higher education is vital for creating a scientific community that reflects and benefits from diverse perspectives. Despite progress, systemic barriers continue to limit opportunities for many, reinforcing inequities that shape academic and professional trajectories. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for fairness but also for creating an environment where innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence can thrive.
Building a more equitable and inclusive scientific community requires recognising and embracing both our own and others’ positionality and expertise. Valuing diverse perspectives, challenging systemic biases, and breaking down structural barriers are crucial steps toward ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. By doing so, we strengthen the foundations of science, making it more representative, innovative, and impactful.
Prior to working in HE Leanne gained extensive experience in technical and research supporting roles, working on both the C.elegans and Human genome project at the Sanger institute, shortly followed by a senior research assistant position in University of Cambridge Biochemistry department. Leanne then taught for many years FE, before completing a PhD at the University of Nottingham.
In 2012 she joined the University of Warwick as a Teaching Fellow. Her experience in FE, and a focus on identifying and minimising transitional barriers, provided a framework for institutional recognition winning the Warwick award for teaching excellence. As Senior Tutor and Director of student wellbeing Leanne affected cultural change in placing student wellbeing and representation at the front and centre of curriculum development, provision and support. The impact was again recognised with the Warwick award for Personal Tutor Excellence. Leanne continues to lecture at Warwick, whilst also full-time Academic lead for LearnSci, drawn to their progressive and innovative support of technical and analytical skills, and the vast potential for edtech to add value and equity of opportunity for both learners and practitioners.
Professor David Mba joined Birmingham City University in October 2023 as Vice- Chancellor (VC). His role is to lead and develop the strategic vision and aspirations of the University. David has led the development of the University’s Strategy for 2030 and Beyond and works with the University Executive Team to ensure the delivery of its strategic ambitions. Before joining BCU, David was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of the Arts London and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, at De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester. Whilst at DMU he also held the post of Pro Vice-Chancellor/Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media. David is chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact, co-chair of the Black Leaders in HE network, and a member of the Advance HE Board. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy.