I feel honoured to take on the role of Head of Department for STEaPP. It is a privilege to lead such a dynamic and transdisciplinary community, and I look forward to working with colleagues, students, and external partners to strengthen STEaPP’s mission of connecting science, technology, engineering, and public policy. Together, we will continue to expand our impact, nurture innovation, and prepare the next generation of leaders committed to creating positive, meaningful change.
Dr Irina Lazar is an Associate Professor in Engineering and Public Policy in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at UCL. Her previous leadership roles include Director of Education and leading the new BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change programme, which combines technical training with social scientific and policy skills. Dr Lazar’s leadership roles have given her extensive experience in curriculum design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student engagement. She also conducts research in engineering education, further shaping her expertise to lead STEaPP into its next chapter.
Her academic background spans Civil Engineering (Technical University of Civil Engineering, Bucharest, Romania) and Mechanical Engineering (University of Bristol, UK). Before joining UCL, she was a Senior Lecturer in Dynamics and Control and Faculty Education Director (Undergraduate) for Engineering at the University of Bristol, where she also completed her PhD.
Throughout her career, Dr Lazar has focused on designing engineering curricula fit for the 21st century, leading projects on inclusive engineering education, sustainability in engineering programmes, and widening participation initiatives. These experiences have shaped her understanding of how to bridge technical expertise with societal impact, a perspective she will bring to her leadership of STEaPP.
Her appointment marks a new chapter for STEaPP, building on the leadership of her predecessor, Professor Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti.
To lead STEaPP over the past 30 months has been a huge privilege and one that I will cherish for a long time. What has made the experience so interesting and varied is all of you, staff and students, each bringing something to the party, the sum of which is STEaPP; thank you for all your support and patience. However, all good things must come to an end and I handover to Irina who will ensure that STEaPP continues to thrive and add value, both to UCL and society; I wish her the very best!
We would also like to thank Professor Morisetti on behalf of everyone in the department for his guidance, support, and dedication during his tenure. Congratulations to Dr Irina Lazar, we look forward to you leading this exciting next chapter for STEaPP.
