Trailblazers

Liz, Professor of Educational Inclusion in Newcastle University’s School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, has also been shortlisted for Northern PoWer’s Agent of Change awards.

The PoWer List recognises trailblazers who use their senior position, power and purpose to champion gender equality, equity and inclusivity, leaving an undeniable mark on society.

Liz said: “We can never cease promoting a kinder, fairer, more diverse and equal world. But we have to stop saying it’s all broke. There’s amazing work I see all around me everyday in our services including schools and incredible people in our communities including young people. Let’s stop just for a minute and celebrate – and this amazing honour, being on the  PoWer List for Northern women and shortlisted for the Agent of Change award – reminds me to do just that.”

Professor Todd has spent her career endeavouring to make life fairer for children and young people. She took an untraditional route into academia, first working as a teacher and then as an educational psychologist and completed her PhD in her early 40’s, bringing  life experience and her work from various professional settings into her university work. Her research focuses on helping school pupils and young people overcome barriers, in particular, those caused by poverty and disadvantage. She works to give communities a voice in changing society.

She was awarded an OBE for services to children and young people in the 2025 New Years’ Honours. Princess Anne presented Professor Todd with her OBE at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier this month.

Inclusive Innovation

The School of Computing’s Inclusive Game Jam, where students from across the university created games based on the themes of gender, intersectionality and EDI, has also been shortlisted for an Inclusive Innovation - People Focussed and Tech for Good categories in the PoWer awards.

The Northern PoWer Awards are Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality.  The awards ceremony will take place in Manchester on 6 March.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Business, Partnerships and Place, was named on the Northern PoWer Women Awards PoWer List in 2024.