The Gender Equality Office, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciencas welcomed Professor Parveen Yaqoob, University of Reading as the Keynote Speaker of the annual Dame Ingrid Allen Lecture on Friday 29 January 2021.  (This was the 2020 lecture which was delayed due to COVID-19.)

Professor Yaqoob delivered an inspirational, honest and insightful event, sharing her personal experiences of her life and career.  Professor Yaqoob discussed how growing up in a culture skewed towards valuing boys became her foundation for equality and leadership.  This virtual event was attended by almost 200 staff, students and external delegates and feedback received has been excellent.

PROFESSOR PARVEEN YAQOOB'S BIOGRAPHY:

Professor Yaqoob graduated with a BA in Physiological Sciences and subsequently a DPhil in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford. She has been working at the University of Reading since 1998 and is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation (in a job-share arrangement with Professor Dominik Zaum) and a Professor of Nutritional Physiology.

Professor Yaqoob’s research investigates the influence of nutrition on immunity, inflammation and vascular function, particularly with respect to cardiovascular disease. She contributes to a number of national and international research funding panels and is a member of the Steering Group of the BBSRC Diet and Health Industry Club as well as sub-panel Chair of the BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnerships.

Professor Yaqoob is senior lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, chairs the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and is the University Executive Board LGBT+ champion. She was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the national Athena Swan Governance Committee, established in September 2020 to oversee transformation of the Athena Swan Charter.

This lecture is named after the late Professor Dame Ingrid Allen, (pictured above) in recognition of her contribution to medical research and her profile as a role model to early career researchers.  For more than 7 years, this lecture has been a key element of the School's Athena Swan Award Programme.

We were delighted to welcome members of Professor Allen's family and friends to this virtual event.