The University is commending its women of achievement with a special celebration today, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
The Women of Achievement awards recognise the significant contribution and impact that women – both staff and students - have made across the University and beyond.
The awards are part of the University’s commitment to further promote gender equality and support the career development of talented women in all areas of the organisation.
The 2016 Women of Achievement will be awarded the title today at the special ceremony.
Following four years of awards, the ceremony is also an opportunity to celebrate over 50 Women of Achievement, and recognise their outstanding research, teaching, scholarship or professional achievement.
The University has published a special book to mark the extraordinary Women of Achievement, who represent a range of service and academic disciplines, ranging from corporate services, arts, business and humanities to mathematics, medicine, environment and engineering.
There is also a roll of honour for women who have been highly commended.
Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: “Whilst each woman has her own story of success, they all share some defining characteristics – they have approached their careers with enthusiasm, determination and a commitment to excel in their chosen fields of work, research or study.
“For some, the success they have enjoyed comes from being pioneers in their work, for others it is recognition for their unfailing commitment and dedication.”
A special honour was also given to Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education, Professor Vivien Jones, for her outstanding work to enhance the academic and co-curricular experience of taught students, ensuring that the university’s research excellence translates into learning opportunities for all.
Sir Alan added: “Her work has transformed the lives and the life chances of successive generations of Leeds students.
“I hope that these success stories will inspire others to pursue their careers within academia and higher education with equal determination, pushing boundaries and taking risks to achieve rewarding and exciting career opportunities”.
International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, has been observed since the early 1900s. Read more about its history here: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.
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Contact the University of Leeds press office on 0113 343 4031 or email pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk