FSE duo shortlisted for 2021 Shaw Trust Disability Power 100

Not one but two members of The University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) have been shortlisted for Shaw Trust's 2021 Disability Power 100.

Both Professor Robert Stevens, Head of the Department of Computer Science, and Dr Amy Bonsall, a Researcher in FSE and Founder and Director of The Women in Academia Support Network, are shortlisted.

The Disability Power 100 is an annual celebration of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, working to break the stigma around disability and creating a more accessible and inclusive world for all.

A fifth of the UK's population has a disability or impairment; however there is very little recognition of successful and influential disabled people.

Shaw Trust wants to change the public perception of disability, to recognise strong, successful, influential people who are leaders in their field. It aims to encourage the talented leaders of tomorrow to connect with role models and see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment.

The Disability Power 100 is able to influence people from all walks of life, and means something different to everyone on the list. Nikki Fox, BBC Disability Correspondent, was announced as 2020's most influential disabled person in Britain and chaired the 2021 independent judging panel. This year there were more than 550 nominations for the 100 places on the list.

Robert said: "I always wanted to be a scientist and I wouldn't let losing my sight stop me; I hope that my success as an academic will help others in their careers."

Amy - who was also the overall winner of the University's Staff Volunteer of the Year 2021 - added: "Everyone should have free access to the support they need to fulfil their potential."

Congratulations to both Robert and Amy!