The University of Cambridge has named Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, a distinguished expert in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, as the forthcoming President of Wolfson College, marking the seventh individual to hold this position among the university’s 31 colleges.
The official announcement was shared through a statement titled “Wolfson Elects Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as the College’s 7th President” on the university’s website. Set to assume office on October 1, 2024, Professor Uchegbu will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke.
Professor Uchegbu, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to nanoparticle drug delivery, is presently a faculty member at University College London. Her work, particularly in drug transport mechanisms, has led to the development of innovative treatments, such as the EnveltaÔ enkephalin pain medicine candidate, designed to address the opioid crisis.
The statement highlights Professor Uchegbu’s numerous awards, fellowships, and accolades, as well as her active roles on academic boards and councils, including the Welcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences. She is also an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
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Having served in leadership roles at UCL, including as Pro Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East and as UCL’s Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality, Professor Uchegbu brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
In response to the announcement, she expressed her enthusiasm for leading Wolfson College, describing it as an ambitious and forward-thinking institution. She looks forward to collaborating with the Governing Body, staff, and students to realize their ambitions and potential.
Current President Professor Jane Clarke congratulated Professor Uchegbu, expressing confidence that leading the ‘Wolfpack’ would be a rewarding experience.
Professor Uchegbu, originally from South East Nigeria and Hackney, completed her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981. She pursued postgraduate studies in the UK, earning a Ph.D. in 1997 under the supervision of Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Her academic journey also includes a stint as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004.