Celebrating Women in Academia on International Women’s Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, we showcase the outstanding achievements of female academics at Lancaster University. Each of these remarkable women has secured research grants exceeding one million pounds, all while advancing knowledge and addressing critical global issues, thereby making a significant impact on society.
Professor Rebecca Willis: Championing Climate Policy
Professor Rebecca Willis leads innovative efforts in climate policy through her influential Climate Citizens research group. Situated in Lancaster University’s Environment Centre, her work employs citizen panels and collaborates with local and national governments to amplify public input in climate decision-making. Her research is crucial in developing strategies aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, emphasizing the importance of incorporating community voices in the ongoing battle against climate change.
Dr. Hannah Stewart: Enhancing Auditory Support for Children
Dr. Hannah Stewart, honored with the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, is conducting groundbreaking research aimed at improving auditory technology for children with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (MMHL). As the most prevalent type of childhood deafness, MMHL has been under-researched globally. At the advanced ‘Pediatric Listening, Cognition and Neuroscience’ (PELiCAN) Lab, Dr. Stewart’s team investigates the long-term effects of various auditory technologies on children’s communication abilities and classroom experiences.
Dr. Sophie Nightingale: Addressing Threats from Deepfake Technology
Dr. Sophie Nightingale confronts one of today’s most pressing digital issues: the misuse of deepfake technology. With a remarkable £1.8 million Future Leaders Fellowship, she is working on a forensic verification system designed to detect non-consensual intimate forgeries, a malicious application of deepfakes predominantly affecting women and girls. In collaboration with law enforcement, policymakers, and tech specialists, Dr. Nightingale aims to establish a reliable and sustainable system that safeguards individuals against digital harassment.
Dr. Amber Leeson: Nurturing the Future of Environmental Data Science
Dr. Amber Leeson has recently been awarded the NERC Doctoral Landscape Award in Exascale Computing for Geosciences (ExaGEO), bringing over £2.6 million to Lancaster. This initiative will support the training of thirty new PhD students, equipping them with critical big data and high-performance computing skills. Dr. Leeson highlights the rapid growth of environmental data, stating, “ExaGEO will prepare the next generation to utilize this expanding data to enhance our understanding and predictions regarding environmental changes.”
Professor Stacey Conchie: Leading Behavioral Science in Security
Professor Stacey Conchie is at the helm of a new collaborative network that merges academic research with industry and government to refine behavioral science specifically for national security and defense. This initiative aims to leverage emerging technologies and advanced behavioral analytics to enhance safety measures in the UK. As the director of the national ESRC center CREST, Prof. Conchie has guided over 200 researchers and PhD students over a decade, significantly influencing law enforcement globally.
These exemplary women embody the spirit of innovation and leadership at Lancaster University. Through their transformative work, they are reshaping policies, developing technologies, addressing climate challenges, and safeguarding society from emerging digital threats.
