In 2022, QMUL was recognised for social mobility, supporting its Strategy 2030 goal to become the most
inclusive university. With a diverse student body, QMUL emphasizes the need for visible role models to guide
students, especially from underrepresented groups. Dr Nike Folayan’s expertise will be invaluable in facilitating conversations around diversity, equality, and inclusion, addressing how these issues manifest in engineering practice and education. She will engage the School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS) through a multifaceted programme aimed at fostering cultural competence, broadening global perspectives, and enhancing employability skills for students. This programme aligns with SEMS’s strategic goals of promoting diversity and inclusion by exposing students to a successful professional from an underrepresented group in engineering, which will inspire and break down barriers to entry in the field. The legacy of this programme will be establishing a framework for staff and student development around diversity and inclusion, ensuring that faculty continue to incorporate cultural competence into their teaching.