Queen Mary University of London has signed an agreement with the Autonomous University of Baja California in Mexico to develop a women-only Dual Master of Research programme (MRes) in Science and Engineering to help address gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The agreement – signed shortly after International Women's Day – was signed by Professor Colin Bailey, Queen Mary’s President and Principal, and Daniel Valdez-Delgadillo, Principal of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC).
The Dual MRes in Science and Engineering will be hosted by the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and supported by other schools in the faculty. The first cohort of students will start in September 2021, undertaking taught modules for a year at UABC as a pathway to joining Queen Mary for our year-only MRes, with the opportunity of obtaining a Queen Mary Master’s degree in Science and Engineering, as well as a UABC MRes.
The signing ceremony, well attended by staff from both institutions, started with a welcome and introduction of the academics from UABC and Queen Mary. Professor Teresa Alonso-Rasgado, Dean for International in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, introduced the Queen Mary staff attending the event: Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice Principal for Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Sharon Ellis, Director of Research and Business Development, and from the Faculty of Science and Engineering the Vice Principal, Professor Wen Wang, and the Deans of Research and Education, Yang Hao and Anthony Michael.
The five Heads of School from Queen Mary's Faculty of Science and Engineering also attended: Professor Hazel Screen, Head of the School of Engineering and Materials Science; Professor Peter Hobson, Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy; Professor Richard Pickersgill, Head of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences; Professor Steve Uhlig, Head of the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science; and Professor Alex Clark, Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences.
Professor Bailey extended his thanks to all staff involved from UABC and Queen Mary and highlighted the importance of the new MRes programme. He explained how the new Master of research programme aligns closely with the history - dating back to 1123 – and values of Queen Mary by helping to address inequality in society and providing opportunities for all, regardless of background.
The Principal highlighted the key facts that distinguish Queen Mary in terms of education, research and international position. He also highlighted the diversity of the Queen Mary community and explained how this diversity is key to providing the inspiration for creating new ideas that push the boundaries of knowledge.
For media information, contact: