Dr Victoria Austin appointed academic lead for UCL’s Grand Challenges of Inequality

Dr Victoria Austin, together with Professor Lauren Andres from The Bartlett School of Planning, has been appointed as joint Pro-Vice-Provost for UCL’s Grand Challenges of Inequality. In this role, they will guide UCL’s efforts to address inequality through research, education, and institutional change. The appointment reflects UCL’s continued commitment to tackling major societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Grand Challenges of Inequalities is the fourth theme in UCL’s flagship Grand Challenges programme. It follows the success of the Grand Challenge for Justice and Equality and is set to run as a five-year programme of activities. The aim is to build impactful partnerships and support integrated responses to the complex, interconnected nature of inequality.

This new leadership will help shape how UCL connects research and action across departments and disciplines. By bringing together academic expertise and institutional strategy, the programme aims to create stronger responses to inequality and expand UCL’s impact beyond the university.