Celebrating University of Nottingham women and their outstanding contributions to society

March 2025 marked Women’s History Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women across all fields—including research. At the Institute for Policy and Engagement, we took this opportunity to spotlight five remarkable University of Nottingham women whose work is shaping policy and making a real difference in society at different levels.

These academics exemplify how evidence-based research can drive meaningful change beyond the academia. Whether empowering women leaders in Uganda, developing biochar frameworks for agriculture, or evaluating the social benefits of flood resilience projects, each of them is leading and contributing to initiatives that affect lives locally and globally. 

Amplifying the voices of women survivors in post-conflict Uganda

Professor Olympia Bekou, Professor of Public International Law and Head, School of Law

In conflict-affected Northern Uganda, women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence lead grassroots organisations that play a critical role in their communities. However, systemic barriers limit their influence on national policies and decision-making. Olympia Bekou’s work directly addresses these challenges by enhancing the visibility and participation of these women in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and policy advocacy at the national level.

Her research also tackles the discrimination faced by Children Born of War (CBoW), who continue to suffer the consequences of gendered violence. Through targeted interventions, her work promotes the reintegration of survivors, ensures the recognition of CBoW’s rights, and drives policy reform.

A key outcome of her work is the Women Leaders Justice Response Taskforce, which raises the profile of women leaders and challenges the stigma faced by survivors. This initiative has directly contributed to policy advancements, including motions for a Transitional Justice Act and reforms in CBoW registration processes, leading to tangible changes at both local and national levels.

Evaluating the social benefits of blue-greening cities

Dr Emily O’Donell, Assistant Professor at the School of Geography

Emily O’Donnell’s research focuses on the social benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI)—sustainable urban design features that integrate water management with green spaces. In collaboration with the Institute, her project evaluates the £76 million Mansfield Sustainable Flood Resilience Project, the largest of its kind in the UK. This initiative, led by Severn Trent, aims to reduce flood risk for 90,000 people while enhancing urban environments through swales, basins, and rain gardens.

While BGI is widely recognised for its potential to mitigate flood risk and improve quality of life, there is no standardised method to assess its social benefits, such as improved aesthetics, health, and access to nature. Emily’s research bridges this gap by exploring public perceptions of BGI and developing a robust evaluation framework. The findings will shape government policy and sector regulations, influencing the way cities nationwide integrate sustainable flood resilience into urban planning.

Developing a farmer-focused biochar framework

Dr Catherine Price, Research Fellow at the School of Geography

Catherine Price’s research focuses on biochar—an emerging greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technology that sequesters carbon for centuries through a process called pyrolysis. In collaboration with Shropshire Council, Klere UK, and local farmers, her project is developing a farmer-focused biochar framework to ensure fair and effective adoption of this technology.

Shropshire Council is at the forefront of biochar production and deployment at the local authority level, making this initiative a key part of UK’s evolving biochar landscape. By working directly with farmers who are trialling or interested in biochar application, Catherine’s research ensures that their insights and needs shape the framework. This collaborative approach strengthens the foundation for responsible and equitable biochar use in agriculture, with the potential to inform wider policy and practice in sustainable carbon sequestration.

A sustainable approach to post-earthquake heritage reconstruction in earthquake-prone regions

Bernadette Devilat, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Bernadette Devilat’s research addresses the challenge of heritage loss in earthquake-prone regions by developing a sustainable reconstruction framework for affected areas. Focusing on Bela in Kutch, Gujarat, her project introduces a fast, affordable, and scalable approach to break the cycle of building replacement after earthquakes, which often leads to the loss of cultural heritage.

Using a combination of social and built environment data collection—such as interviews, mapping, drone imagery, photography, and 3D laser scanning—the project creates enhanced digital models for rapid seismic risk assessment. This innovative approach prioritizes repairing buildings over replacing them, ensuring the preservation of heritage structures.

The framework is built on a strategic partnership between NGOs, academia, and government institutions, combining community engagement, technical expertise, and policy support. Through collaborations with international partners, including CEPT University, the Hunnarshala Foundation, GIDM, and ICCROM, the project not only builds local capacity but also provides a scalable model for heritage conservation in other seismic-prone regions.

Addressing food insecurity for disabled individuals in Nottingham and Glasgow

Dr Alanna Higgins, Assistant Professor at the School of Geography

Food insecurity disproportionately affects disabled people, yet policies fail to address their specific needs.

Alanna Higgins’ research examines how physical, social, and systemic barriers—such as inadequate benefits, transportation challenges, and dietary restrictions—exacerbate food insecurity for disabled individuals in Nottingham and Glasgow. A 2021 study found that 11.36% of people in Nottingham and 15.17% in Glasgow struggled to access food, a figure likely worsened by the cost-of-living crisis. Despite this, existing research often overlooks the unique challenges disabled people face, and no current policies directly address these issues.

By working with community members, policymakers, and academics, Alanna aims to highlight key areas for future research and policy reform. A collaboration with the University of Strathclyde will extend this work in Glasgow, with the potential to shape more inclusive food security policies at both local and national levels.