Professor Avtar Matharu, Principal Investigator of the EPSRC Mobility DTP Pilot, has been awarded an MBE by the King in recognition of his services to equality, diversity, and inclusion, interfaith and community cohesion across the University of York and wider region.
Professor Matharu is an ardent advocate for human rights and all faiths, with his vision for community cohesion and commitment to interfaith work, both locally and nationally.
Within the University of York, Professor Matharu is an exemplary role model for inclusion. He serves on the Chemistry departmental Equality and Diversity Group, which secured the highest award in the Athena Swan Charter in 2018 for advancing gender equality in higher education.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of the EPSRC Mobility DTP Pilot, which aims to increase mobility across the business and academic sectors and enhance the research skills of individuals from industry and other non-academic backgrounds. It seeks to address known barriers to postgraduate training and to attract diverse talent, particularly from underrepresented groups, including those from non-traditional academic backgrounds.
To achieve this, the EPSRC Mobility DTP Pilot offers flexible and inclusive options to meet a broad range of individual needs and circumstances. This includes the current offer of a fully-funded, one-year (or two-year part time) PGR programme leading to an MSc by Research.
Professor Matharu, said: “I look forward to continuing this vital work, focusing on what unites us to create a more inclusive future for all. The DTP Mobility Pilot Programme is an important part of this.”
