Professor awarded Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize by Microbiology Society
UWE Bristol’s Professor Emmanuel Adukwu has been awarded the Microbiology Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize 2027.
Professor Adukwu, Dean for Students, has been recognised for his work to remove barriers to ensure access and quality of opportunity for all in higher education.
The prize is awarded annually for good practice in, and/or an outstanding contribution to, initiatives that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in the microbiological community, and/or widen participation by those from historically marginalised communities by raising awareness of microbiology and inspiring the next generation of microbiologists to pursue microbiology careers.
A Professor of Applied Microbiology, Emmanuel graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences from Coventry University and a Master of Science (by Research) from Manchester Metropolitan University. He then joined the clinical research industry before embarking on a PhD in Applied Microbiology at the University of Northampton, focused on investigating community acquired infections to identify new or alternative solutions to tackle pathogenic infections.
He has continued to pursue research in microbiology and public health focused on stewardship of antimicrobial resistance, survival mechanisms of clinically relevant bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and the development of alternative and complementary solutions. As an academic, he has a strong student-centred philosophy that informs both his leadership practice and engagement with the wider scientific community. He was recognised for his student-centred work in innovative teaching with a Royal Society of Biology Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award in 2023 and was previously awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Putting Students First at UWE Bristol in 2016.
Professor Adukwu is committed to advancing excellence in higher education through inclusion, talent and pipeline development. He is a member of the board of trustees at Applied Microbiology International, the Founding Chair of the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF), a member of the American Society for Microbiology maximising opportunities through education committee, a steering committee member for Africa Initiative Group in Microbiology, a member of the Medical Research Council’s Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group among others, and a steering committee member of the Black Leaders in Higher Education (UK). At UWE Bristol, he is Co-Chair of the Black Professoriate Group.
Commenting on receiving the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Prize 2027, Professor Adukwu said: “I am very delighted and honoured to receive the Microbiology Society EDI Prize, recognising my contributions to promote and advance equity in microbiology and higher education. I dedicate this award to my family, students, peers, colleagues, mentors and all who work tirelessly to open doors, remove barriers and advance equity for all.”
The prize will be presented by the society’s president, Professor Gordon Dougan, following Professor Adukwu’s prize lecture on Equality Diversity and Inclusion at the society’s annual conference in Birmingham in April next year.
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