Ijeoma Uchegbu Elected as President of Cambridge’s Wolfson College

The University of Cambridge’s Wolfson College, a renowned institution within the academic sphere, proudly announced Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as its forthcoming President, marking a significant chapter in the college’s legacy.

In an official statement titled “Wolfson Elects Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as the College’s 7th President” released on the university’s official platform, it was disclosed that Uchegbu would succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, commencing her tenure from October 1, 2024.

Professor Uchegbu stands as a distinguished figure in the field of pharmaceutical nanoscience and holds an esteemed position as a lecturer at University College London. Her exceptional contributions in the realm of nanoparticle drug delivery and groundbreaking research were highlighted in the announcement.

Notably, her innovative strides in understanding drug transport mechanisms have paved the way for the development of groundbreaking treatments, including the EnveltaÔ enkephalin pain medicine candidate, aimed at addressing the pressing opioid crisis.

Acknowledged for her remarkable achievements, Uchegbu has been the recipient of numerous awards, prestigious fellowships, and holds key positions on several academic boards and councils, including the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences. Her status as an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry further underlines her exceptional contributions to the field.

Beyond her academic excellence, Uchegbu’s leadership prowess has been evident in her role at UCL. Her efforts as Pro Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East saw her spearheading initiatives that fostered robust research collaborations in these regions. Additionally, her role as UCL’s Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality demonstrated her commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within academic institutions.

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Expressing her anticipation about assuming the presidency at Wolfson College, Uchegbu conveyed, “I am thrilled to join the esteemed community at Wolfson College, an institution known for its pioneering spirit and ambition. Guiding this diverse and intellectually vibrant student body in an environment that fosters cultural, social, and academic growth is an honor. I eagerly await collaborating with the Governing Body, faculty, and students to realize our collective ambitions.”

In extending her congratulations to Uchegbu, Professor Clarke, the current President, remarked, “Ijeoma’s election as President is a testament to her remarkable leadership qualities. Leading the ‘Wolfpack’ has been a source of immense fulfillment for me, and I am confident she will excel in this role.”

Uchegbu’s academic journey began in South East Nigeria and Hackney. Her educational pursuits saw her complete her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981 before obtaining her master’s degree at the University of Lagos. She later pursued postgraduate studies at the University of London, earning her PhD in 1997 under the mentorship of Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy. Subsequently, she served as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004.