MPLS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2026

Category 1: Outstanding ED&I Champion - Academics and Researchers

Winner: Dr Eve Schooler (Department of Engineering Science)

Dr Eve Schooler has been recognised for her outstanding leadership in widening participation and fostering inclusion within engineering through her Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship, Widening Participation through Sustainability.

Through an evidence-based approach, Eve has embedded sustainability in the Engineering Science computing curriculum, demonstrating how engineering can address societal and environmental challenges while making the discipline more accessible and attractive to a broader and more diverse community. Since 2023, she has led an extensive programme of outreach, teaching and mentoring, delivering 175 activities and engaging more than 540 learners across the academic pipeline, from prospective applicants to postdoctoral researchers and academic staff.

Alongside curriculum reform, Eve has provided intensive mentoring and sponsorship for researchers from under-represented groups, supporting career progression, fellowship applications and professional recognition. Her work has also contributed to more equitable departmental processes for awards and promotions, helping to create lasting cultural change and a more inclusive environment for students and researchers alike.

Highly commended: 'Insider's Guide to AOPP' team (Department of Physics)

The Insider's Guide to AOPP team has been recognised for creating an innovative resource that improves inclusion and belonging by making the informal knowledge needed to thrive in academia accessible to everyone.

Developed by staff and students within Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP), the guide brings together practical information on departmental life, career development opportunities, support networks and inclusive practices. By reducing reliance on informal networks, the resource particularly benefits international researchers, early career scientists and those from under-represented backgrounds, helping to ensure that opportunities, advice and support are equally available to all members of the department.

Winner: Jenny Watson (Department of Computer Science)

Jenny Watson has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive learning environment for disabled and neurodivergent students.

Since joining the Department of Computer Science in 2022, Jennifer has led a wide range of initiatives to improve accessibility across teaching and learning. Her work includes reviewing assistive hearing technology in teaching spaces, championing the adoption of accessible technologies such as live captioning, and promoting best practice in the creation of accessible teaching materials.

Working collaboratively with academics, professional services staff and students, Jennifer has helped remove barriers to participation while fostering a stronger sense of belonging for disabled and neurodivergent students. Beyond the department, she has shared her expertise in other parts of the University through presentations and collaborative projects, and her appointment as an MPLS EDI Fellow reflects the wider impact of her leadership in advancing inclusive practice.

Highly commended: Rosa Arias-Yague (Department of Computer Science)

Rosa Arias-Yague has been recognised for her enthusiasm, initiative and commitment to building an inclusive research culture within the Department of Computer Science.

Since joining the department, Rosa has led the successful expansion of the Peer-to-Peer Support Scheme for researchers, increasing participation through tailored training, resources and community-building events. She has also developed a new framework and research tool to support inclusive and conscientious research practice, including leading a cross-departmental workshop that brought together researchers, professional services staff and library colleagues to improve awareness of research support and funding processes.

Her collaborative approach and ability to bring people together have made a significant contribution to strengthening the department's inclusive culture.

Winners: Sarah Le Besque and Rhiannon Ackland (Department of Earth Sciences)

Sarah Le Besque and Rhiannon Ackland have been recognised for their exceptional leadership of the Department of Earth Sciences’ LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group.

Together, they coordinate a vibrant programme of regular events that provides an inclusive, welcoming and supportive community for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. Under their leadership, the group has become a key part of the department’s equality, diversity and inclusion activities, offering opportunities for peer support, networking and awareness-raising while ensuring LGBTQIA+ perspectives are represented within the wider departmental community.

Sarah and Rhiannon also coordinate departmental participation in Oxford Pride, co-organise the annual MPLS Pride Picnic, promote inclusive practices such as pronoun sharing, and help connect colleagues with wider University support networks. Alongside their DPhil studies, their sustained commitment has made a lasting contribution to fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion within Earth Sciences.

Highly commended: Elvira Feng (Department of Chemistry)

Elvira Feng has been recognised for her sustained commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion through her leadership of the Oxford Women in Chemistry Society (OxWiChem).

Over the past three years, Elvira has led major initiatives that support women and other under-represented groups in Chemistry, including Oxford Women in Chemistry Day and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women's Breakfast. Through securing external sponsorship, developing new partnerships and expanding the society's activities, she has created valuable opportunities for networking, mentoring, professional development and community building for hundreds of participants.

Her leadership has strengthened support for women in Chemistry while fostering collaboration across the University and beyond.

Highly commended: Georgina Ryan (Mathematical Institute)

Georgina Ryan has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the Mathematical Institute.

As President of the student-led Mathematrix society, Georgina has revitalised the organisation, growing its activities and creating new opportunities for discussion, networking and community through guest speaker events and an EDI-focused book club. She also played a leading role in organising the Oxford Women and Non-Binary People in Mathematics Day, securing funding, coordinating logistics and helping deliver a successful event that brought together participants from institutions across the UK. This event was attended by 145 people from 24 different institutions.

Alongside her work as an MPLS EDI Fellow and member of the Mathematical Institute’s EDI Committee, Georgina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, going above and beyond in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in the department.