Dr Azalea Raad receives Suffrage Science Award in Maths and Computing

Dr Azalea Raad has been awarded a Suffrage Science Award in Maths and Computing, recognising her contributions to the field and her role in advancing women’s visibility and leadership in science.

The Suffrage Science Awards celebrate pioneering women scientists, with the 2026 round focusing on Maths and Computing. Ten awardees were recognised at a ceremony held on Monday 26 January 2026 in the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, located in the University Science Area.

Dr Raad was nominated for the award by Professor Alexandra Silva in recognition of her significant research impact across academia and industry, as demonstrated by major funding including an EPSRC Future Leaders Fellowship and by the deployment of the formal verification techniques she developed in collaboration with engineers at Meta.

Commenting on the award Dr Raad said: “I am honoured and humbled to have received this award, and to join the formidable community of Suffrage Science awardees. Their legacy of advocacy and excellence makes this recognition especially meaningful, and I hope to contribute in turn to widening participation and opportunity in mathematics and computing.”

Founded in 2011 by Whitley Professor of Biochemistry Dame Amanda Fisher and science communicator Vivienne Parry OBE, the Suffrage Science scheme aims to create a self-perpetuating network of exceptional women scientists who actively support and inspire others to pursue scientific careers and leadership roles. The 2026 awards ceremony was hosted by the founders alongside Professor Marta Kwiatkowska.

“I am honoured and humbled to have received this award, and to join the formidable community of Suffrage Science awardees.”

Each awardee receives a piece of Suffrage Science heirloom jewellery, which they pass on every two years by nominating a future recipient. This unique structure creates an evolving “family tree” of award holders, forming an international network of role models across all Suffrage Science disciplines.

Since the scheme began, 172 women from institutions around the world have become holders of the Suffrage Science heirlooms.