Women of Achievement Awards 2021 | Our special celebrants
The second in a new series profiling our Women of Achievement Awards 2021 celebrants highlights outstanding accomplishments of four colleagues in the field of international research and development.
Our 28 Women of Achievement 2021 were honoured during a special online ceremony
Amazing achievements of 28 colleagues were recognised during a special online ceremony last month.
Held for the sixth time, the awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate women who share a common commitment to excellence and have performed outstandingly in their fields, whether this be in research, student education or student experience, scholarship, international strategies, leadership of key University initiatives, or supporting vital administrative and technical activities.
The awards highlight the significant contributions and impact the recipients have made across the University and beyond.
The women receiving awards were all nominated by their peers, and are drawn from across the University, from a range of academic and professional colleagues, highlighting how excellence is being achieved throughout the institution.
Establishing a beacon of research excellence
Dr Claire Savy is Manager of Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD) and the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fluid Dynamics.
Dr Savy has played a substantial role in developing the international reputation of LIFD. Her leadership, organisation and commitment has established it as a beacon of research excellence.
Dr Savy said: “I’m really honoured to have been nominated and awarded one of the Women of Achievement Awards this year.
“The past year has been a challenge for everyone, and I hope these awards provide all the other winners with the positive boost it has given me. I’m lucky to work with a fantastic team, and look forward to continuing to grow the CDT and Institute, and to keep championing the amazing research being conducted in fluid dynamics at Leeds.”
Dr Claire Savy has played a substantial role in developing the international reputation of Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics
Supporting sustainable development goals
Dr Gehan Selim is an internationally leading academic and researcher in the field of architecture and urbanism, who uses architecture and digital heritage to support sustainable development goals in the Global South.
Dr Selim has brought a rigorous and exciting strand of interdisciplinary research to the School of Civil Engineering, which has inspired both staff and students alike. She’s also leading the ‘Living Museum’ project looking at safeguarding a UNESCO world heritage site and increasing its community, social and economic prospects.
Dr Selim said: “I’m proud and honoured to receive this award to celebrate extraordinary women and their remarkable contributions to academic life at Leeds and beyond.
“This award provides a platform to be seen by others and gives us confidence, recognition and encouragement to continue our achievements.”
Dr Gehan Selim has brought a rigorous and exciting strand of interdisciplinary research to the School of Civil Engineering, which has inspired both staff and students alike
Pioneering innovative interdisciplinary studies
Kate Dossett is a Professor of American History and one of only five women in the UK to hold the title.
She’s an award-winning historian, who has pioneered innovative interdisciplinary approaches to the study of women’s and Black cultural history.
Professor Dossett said: “I love prizes that recognise women’s achievements!
“Winning this award reflects the academic and activist work of many scholars across the UK, who work to support and promote women’s work and to create a more inclusive and diverse academy.
“It’s also a recognition of the many women in the School of History who have worked and continue to work to make the University a place where women’s knowledge production is valued and celebrated.”
Professor Kate Dossett has pioneered innovative interdisciplinary approaches to the study of women’s and Black cultural history
Showcasing fantastic global research
Louise Heery is the Head of Global Research Development and has provided nationally-leading best practice across the UK and with global partners.
She has been instrumental in building the University’s strong global research profile and partnerships through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Newton Fund.
Louise said: “I’m delighted to receive this award.
“When the GCRF was announced, I was determined to use it to support and showcase the fantastic global challenge research that happens at Leeds. I’ve formed new collaborations of my own with colleagues overseas and in the UK, and we’ve learned a lot in a short space of time about new kinds of partnerships from one another.
“It means a lot to me that my part in the University’s GCRF and Newton Fund success is being recognised.”
Louise Heery has been instrumental in building the University’s strong global research profile and partnerships
Success for all
Leeds has been commended for its work to support the career development of talented women in the form of a prestigious Bronze award under the Athena SWAN Charter. The Athena SWAN Charter is designed to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. Faculties at Leeds celebrated a hat-trick of new awards across the University last year.
Inspiring others
Further profiles of each of the Women of Achievement Awards 2021 celebrants will be published on For Staff during the coming weeks. Links to these articles will be added to the weekly eNews editions and the Equality Policy Unit website, so watch this space for further information.
For those unable to attend the online Women of Achievement Awards 2021, you can access a recording of the ceremony to watch in full.
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