SEILS #7 | Conversation with Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, President of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge
We were honoured to co-host Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, President of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, for the seventh edition of the Sunway Education Inclusive Leadership Series (SEILS). Moderated by Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education and a director of the ASLI Board of Directors, the conversation explored the theme “Innovating Breakthroughs through Inclusion and Kindness.”
From her early days in Nigeria to becoming a globally recognised pharmaceutical scientist, Professor Dame Ijeoma’s journey was a powerful testament to perseverance, empathy, and purpose. She spoke candidly about overcoming early doubts in her academic potential, crediting supportive teachers and family for shaping her values as a leader and mentor today.
Central to her leadership philosophy was kindness—not as a weakness, but as a powerful enabler of collaboration and trust, especially in high-pressure environments like scientific research and institutional leadership. She shared insights from her work on nanoparticle drug delivery systems, including the development of Envelta™️, and how inclusion and multidisciplinary teamwork have driven innovation at every stage.
The session also delved into themes of racial equity in higher education, the power of diverse academic communities like Wolfson, and how creating safe, inclusive spaces leads to breakthrough thinking. Her advice to aspiring leaders was simple yet profound: “You may not fit the mould—but perhaps, you are here to change it.”
Thank you to all who joined us for this inspiring session. We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of SEILS.
Empowering Leaders, Advancing Societies.
