Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu has been honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours for her groundbreaking contributions to the chemical sciences and tireless efforts to advance diversity and inclusion. This prestigious recognition underscores her transformative role as a scientist, innovator, and advocate for equity in academia and beyond.

A Leading Voice in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience

Dame Ijeoma’s career is defined by her groundbreaking work in pharmaceutical nanoscience. As Chair in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London (UCL), her research bridges the gap between molecular pharmaceutical design and real-world applications. She has spearheaded the development of nanosystems for delivering therapeutic agents, including:

• Genes and peptides to the brain, offering hope for neurological disorders.
• Eye-drop medications that effectively treat retinal diseases.
• Oral drug delivery systems that enhance the absorption of hydrophobic drugs, improving efficacy and patient outcomes.

These cutting-edge innovations place Dame Ijeoma at the forefront of modern medicine, revolutionizing drug design and administration.

Her commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions led her to co-found Nanomerics Ltd., a UCL spinout dedicated to developing precision medicines. The company’s groundbreaking work was recently recognized with the King’s Award for Enterprise, highlighting its impact on global pharmaceutical development.

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Championing Equity and Inclusion in Academia

Dame Ijeoma’s contributions extend far beyond the laboratory. She has passionately advocated for racial equity and inclusion, leveraging her roles as UCL’s Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and The Middle East and the Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality to drive systemic change.

One of her most notable achievements was leading the campaign to remove the names of eugenicists from UCL buildings, a process that took over a year of deliberations. Reflecting on the journey, she shared, “The committee started out divided, but by the end, we reached a unanimous agreement. It was one of the most rewarding moments of my career.”

Her efforts have left an indelible mark on UCL, fostering a more inclusive environment and inspiring other institutions to take similar steps.

A Career of Distinction

Dame Ijeoma’s remarkable career has earned her numerous accolades. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her groundbreaking work has been recognized with the Women of Outstanding Achievement in Science, Engineering, and Technology award. She serves on the Wellcome Board of Governors, contributing her expertise to global health initiatives.

After receiving news of her Damehood, she expressed joy and gratitude: “I’m beyond thrilled and incredibly proud. It’s a moment I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams.”

Celebrating the Honour

The journey to Buckingham Palace for the investiture ceremony is already a topic of excitement in Dame Ijeoma’s household. With four daughters and four grandchildren, she faces the joyous challenge of selecting her guests. “How do I choose?” she laughed, adding that she plans to celebrate the occasion with a grand family gathering.

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An Inspiration for Future Generations

As Dame Ijeoma looks to the future, her commitment to advancing science and championing equity remains unwavering. Her achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging young scientists, particularly women and underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in STEM and advocate for positive change.

Her Damehood celebrates a lifetime of accomplishments and highlights the profound impact of combining scientific excellence with a commitment to social justice.