UCL: Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu appointed to Wellcome’s board

UCL Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu has joined Wellcome’s Board of Governors, to help guide and oversee the foundation’s global activities.

Professor Uchegbu (UCL School of Pharmacy) is Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience and the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of award-winning UCL spinout company Nanomerics.

In May 2021, she was one of five UCL academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of exceptional contribution to biomedical and health science.

Professor Uchegbu served as UCL’s Pro-Vice-Provost for Africa and the Middle East for six years, leading an active regional network of more than 600 staff and acting as an ambassador for the university’s activity in the region.

Professor Uchegbu said: “I am delighted to be joining Wellcome as a governor, as Wellcome is a global funder of research; meaning that scientific discoveries have a good chance of impacting on those most in need.”

Wellcome works with people and organisations using science to solve urgent health challenges – particularly around mental health, infectious disease and climate – and supports discovery research into life, health and wellbeing.

Its Board of Governors bring expertise from a range of backgrounds and are ultimately accountable for all of Wellcome’s work, providing support and challenge to its executive team.

Professor Uchegbu has long-established experience of working in an advisory capacity on race equality at UCL, as co-chair of the Race Equality Steering Group and Provost’s envoy for Race Equality.

Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome, said: “I’m delighted that Ijeoma is joining the Wellcome Board. She is not only a distinguished scientist but is also highly committed to making sure the benefits of scientific research reach those that need it most.”