Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu has been named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the UK New Year’s 2025 Honours list for her contributions to the chemical sciences and also for promoting inclusion and diversity.
The DBE is a senior rank of the Order of the British Empire and is one of the highest honours that may be awarded to a woman in the UK. It recognizes people who have made achievements in public life and have committed themselves to serving and helping the United Kingdom.
Ijeoma is a professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London and a leading figure in pharmaceutical research. Her research career spans from the molecular design of novel pharmaceuticals to studying their practical applications. This includes creating nanosystems that deliver genes and peptides to the brain, drugs to the retina through eye drops, and systems that enhance the oral absorption of hydrophobic drugs.
She is also the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Nanomerics Ltd., a private specialty pharmaceutical company that develops precision medicines aimed at reducing development costs, resources, and timelines.
Reacting to the recognition, she said:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed with joy,” says Ijeoma. “In my wildest dreams I never believed I would get such an award.” “I’m absolutely thrilled. I wouldn’t say I’m humbled – I know people say that, but when I saw the letter at the Porters’ Lodge what I felt was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride.”
Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu’s work has garnered numerous awards, fellowships, and accolades. She also holds positions on several academic boards and councils, including the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences, and is an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. She was named by the University of Cambridge as the seventh president of Wolfson College, one of its 31 colleges, in 2023.