UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards

We are thrilled to announce our first UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (IoN) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Awards.

IoN aims to be a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace that nurtures staff and students to reach their full potential. We want to recognise and celebrate the IoN colleagues and students that lead by example of kindness and work ethic and help make IoN an inspiring place. We would like to invite you to use this form to nominate a student or member of staff who embody the spirit of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion within our community. 

Award categories 

  1. EDI Role Model Award: This award celebrates individuals who serve as inspiring role models for promoting equality, equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace or studyspace. 
  2. EDI Advocate Award: This award recognises advocates who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in promoting equity and inclusion for underrepresented communities. We perceive underrepresented communities as any group that is insufficiently represented at the IoN. This could be related (but not limited) to race, gender, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or other). 
  3. Wellbeing Advocate Award: This award honours individuals, groups or teams who have gone above and beyond to support the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of their peers, colleagues, or students, fostering a culture of care and support within the institution. 
  4. Inclusive Teaching Excellence Award: This award honours individuals, groups or teams involved in education and teaching activities, who have demonstrated a commitment to inclusive teaching practices, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of background or identity. 
  5. Workplace Culture Transformation Award: This award recognises individuals, groups or teams that have successfully incorporated EDI principles into their workflows, ways of working and work practise, leading to a positive shift in their local workplace culture and fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. 
  6. EDI Beaconing Award: This award acknowledges individuals, groups or teams who actively engage in EDI work outside of IoN, whether at the Faculty of Brain Sciences (FBS), University College London (UCL), or in external organisations, showcasing their dedication to promoting inclusivity beyond their immediate community. 
  7. Diversity in Research Award: This award recognises individuals or teams whose research endeavours exemplify a commitment to diversity, whether through addressing underrepresented topics, engaging diverse perspectives, or promoting inclusivity in research methodologies and practices. 

Winners

Winners were announced on 16 July 2024 during the IoN EDI Away Day & Celebration event. The winners were chosen by an independent panel external to the IoN, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. 

EDI Role Model Award

  • Joanne Thomas

EDI Advocate Award

  • Michael Foster

Wellbeing Advocate Award

  • Argyro Alatza
  • Fiona Kinsella

Inclusive Teaching Excellence Award

  • Prof Tim Young

Workplace Culture Transformation Award

  • Dr Edward Smith
  • Dr Christina Toomey

EDI Beaconing Award

  • Dr Javier Bautista

Diversity in Research Award

  • Dr Jess Jiang

Nominations list 

The following is a list of the staff members and students who got nominated for the IoN EDI Awards.

You may find out more about each nominee in the ION EDI Awards 2024 booklet

EDI Role Model Award

  • Joanne Thomas
  • Prof Adrian Isaacs
  • Prof Ed Wild
  • Masuda Khanom
  • Prof Alex Leff
  • Won Yi Che
  • Dr Bhavana Solanky
  • Prof Hélène Plun-Favreau

EDI Advocate Award

  • Dr Michael Moutoussis
  • Michael Foster
  • Fiona Kinsella
  • Prof Hélène Plun-Favreau
  • Dimitris Zachos

Wellbeing Advocate Award

  • Prof Ed Wild
  • Prof Sarah Tabrizi
  • Fiona Kinsella
  • Argyro Alatza
  • Masuda Khanom

Inclusive Teaching Excellence Award

  • Dr Adam Liston
  • Prof Tim Young

Workplace Culture Transformation Award

  • Dr Mireia Mato Prado
  • Dr Rina Bandopadhyay
  • Dr Edward Smith
  • Dr Christina Toomey

EDI Beaconing Award

  • Dr Harpreet Hyare
  • Skie Hewitt
  • Dr Bhavana Solanky
  • Dr Javier Bautista

Diversity in Research Award

  • Chanelle Anori
  • Dr Jess Jiang
  • Saadia Rahman

Nomination/Award eligibility 

Who could be nominated and considered for an award:

Everyone could be nominated for an award; staff and students (PGT, PGR & PhD). Awards were open to individuals, groups or teams, except from the EDI Role Model and EDI Advocate awards which were open to individuals only. 

Who could not be nominated and considered for an award:

Those who occupy paid EDI job roles could not be considered for an award.