Chemical Engineering academic receives prestigious Julia Higgins Award

Professor João Cabral has been recognised with the Julia Higgins Award for his transformative leadership, dedicated mentorship, and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Julia Higgins Medals and Awards celebrate individuals, teams and departments that have made a significant contribution to supporting academic women across the university. Professor Cabral, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, was among this year's recipients of the Individual Julia Higgins Award.

Professor Cabral is recognised for his longstanding commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for colleagues and students. Alongside his internationally recognised research in soft matter and polymer science, he has championed initiatives that promote equality, mentorship and career development, helping to strengthen the Department's culture and support the progression of academic women.

On receiving the award, Professor Cabral said: "This award is especially significant to me, as I was one of Julia Higgins' last PhD students and benefitted directly from Julia's mentorship in science and engineering, but also from her leadership, support and encouragement of others.  I am determined not "to kick the ladder" and have been privileged to support an array of exceptional researchers, many of whom are women!".

Professor Omar Matar, Head of Department, Chemical Engineering, said:“This prestigious recognition reflects João's exceptional commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Through his leadership, mentorship and advocacy, João has made a lasting impact within our Department and across the Imperial community. This award is a fitting recognition of his dedication.

The Julia Higgins Medals and Awards are named in honour of Professor Dame Julia Higgins, whose pioneering scientific career and leadership have helped shape Imperial and inspired generations of researchers.