Hosted across the School of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, with support from the Royal Society of Chemistry, Voices of Inclusion is a new event series dedicated to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Our flagship event will see Professor Peter Robertson (Associate PVC, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Professor Wafa Al-Jamal (Professor, School of Pharmacy and Chair, MHLS Faculty SWAN Working Group), Dr Agnes Purwidyantri (Lecturer, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) and Dr Linda Oyama (Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences) share their personal experiences and offer valuable insights into how we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. 

Following the individual talks, there will be a 30-minute panel discussion chaired by Professor Peter Robertson. This interactive session will provide an opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and engage in open dialogue with the speakers.

The event will conclude with light refreshments and a chance to continue conversations informally.

More about our Speakers:

Professor Peter Robertson: Professor Peter Robertson is Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality Diversity and Inclusion and a Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. An expert in energy and environmental engineering, his research focuses primarily around photocatalysis – the use of light to create and accelerate reactions – and its applications for solving key energy and societal challenges, including water decontamination and sustainable energy.

Professor Wafa Al-Jamal: Professor Wafa Al-Jamal is Professor of Advanced Nanotherapeutics in the School of Pharmacy. Wafa’s main research interests focus on engineering novel nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Her current research, in Cancer Nanomedicine, aims to design smart vectors to deliver a wide range of therapeutic agents and targeting moieties, and to fabricate multifunctional nanoparticles for combinatory therapy and theranostic applications. Professor Al-Jamal also sits on the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Athena SWAN Working Group.

Dr Agnes Purwidyantri: Dr Agnes Purwidyantri is a Lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Dr Purwidyantri leads interdisciplinary research in biosensing, sustainable diagnostics, and smart sensing technologies for health and environmental applications. She develops real-time, low-cost sensors that integrate biomimetic receptors with microfluidics for intelligent diagnostics. Dr Purwidyantri is also Course Director for the MSc Biopharmaceutical Engineering programme.

Dr Linda Oyama: Dr Linda Oyama is a Lecturer in Microbiomics within The School of Biological Sciences and The Institute for Global Food Security. Dr Oyama is a leading biosciences professional with subject matter level expertise in gut microbiome research, microbiology, bacterial molecular genetics and physiology, pathogen-host relationships, antibacterial mechanisms of action and resistance, anti-infectives drug discovery and pre-clinical development. Dr Oyama also leads the AMR and One Health Lab and coordinates the AMR Hub at Queens.