University News Last updated 07 October
Professor Hanifa Shah, one of the UK’s leading advocates of STEAM education, has collected a top accolade at the annual Midlands Women in Tech Awards.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) at Birmingham City University (BCU) came away from Friday’s ceremony at The Eastside Rooms with the Innovator Award.
Launched in 2019, the Tech Awards highlight the significant contributions of women to the region’s emerging technology industry, alongside recognising talented individuals and innovative ideas that are helping to drive the industry forward.
Professor Shah said: “This award reflects not just my efforts, but the collaborative spirit of the tech community.
“Innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. I look forward to seeing even more women in the Midlands and beyond leading the charge in shaping the future of technology."
Professor Shah currently holds the role of Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment at BCU. She is also interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Media until the end of 2024.
Since joining BCU in 2010, she has led the embedding of STEAM ideas and practice into the University’s education, research, and enterprise programmes. The award also recognises her work in encouraging cross-faculty thinking at BCU.
Professor Shah’s work has also contributed to BCU’s 2030 and Beyond Strategy, which will launch later this year following months of consultation with students, academics, faculty and the local community.