- Uchegbu Speaks to young people (Watch videos)
Ijeoma Uchegbu grew up in Hackney and South East Nigeria.
She is exploring how nanomedicine can be used to treat brain tumours.
Her pharmaceuticals deliver genes and siRNA to tumours and peptides to the brain as well as encouraging the absorption of hydrophobic drugs using nanoparticles.
Uchegbu is the Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics.
Nanomerics are developing structures that can transport antibodies that can cross the blood–brain barrier.
She studied pharmacy at the University of Benin, graduating in 1981
Earned her master’s degree at the University of Lagos but could not complete a PhD in Nigeria due to infrastructure difficulties.
Moved back to the UK and completed her postgraduate studies at the University of London, graduating with a PhD in 1997.
A single mum.
Was supervised by Alexander (Sandy) Florence, Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Appointed a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002-2004.
Watch videos of Prof. Uchegbu inspiring young people here and here.
Currently a Professor of Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at University College London (UCL)
Known for her ground-breaking work in nanoparticle drug delivery.
Also known for her work in science public engagement and equality and diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
She is the Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics, a pharmaceutical nanotechnology company specialising in drug delivery solutions for poorly water-soluble drugs, nucleic acids and peptides.
She is equally a Governor of the Wellcome, a large biomedical research charity.
Announced as the 7th President of Wolfson College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge.
Will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, on October 1, 2024.
Her pioneering work on the mechanisms of drug transport led to the development of new treatments.
Promises to transform pain relief, including the enkephalin pain medicine candidate (Envelta), designed to address the opioid crisis.
Uchegbu was made a Chair in Drug Delivery at the University of Strathclyde in 2002.
Visionary leader, extensive experience in academia.
Won numerous awards, fellowships, and accolades, and she holds positions on several academic boards and councils including the Wellcome Trust, and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Played a leading role during her time at UCL as Pro Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East, in forging new research partnerships.
Uchegbu serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Controlled Release.
On the healthcare strategy advisory team of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Chosen in 2007 for Women of Outstanding Achievement in SET Photographic Exhibition which was displayed at the Science Museum and the British Museum.
She strongly believes in creating a diverse and inclusive educational environment .
Says she’s “so thrilled to be joining Wolfson College, an ambitious and forward-thinking College. It will be an honor to lead such a lively, diverse, and engaged student community in an environment where people are stimulated culturally, socially, and intellectually. I look forward to working with the Governing Body, staff, and students to help realize their ambitions and potential.”
Expected to foster a research-intensive environment where innovation and critical thinking thrives.
