We are delighted to announce that our flagship widening participation and public engagement programme, Dev Neuro Academy, has received the ‘Integrated Education, Research, and Service Award’ in the 2025 King’s Engaged Research Awards.
Dev Neuro Academy, led by Leigh Wilson, launched in 2016 and has since grown to include more than 50 students each year from multiple schools across London, incorporating long-term mentoring and support. The programme, which typically runs from early July, brings year 12 students into the labs to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences on a journey through neuroscience research and application. Students work with research scientists, PhD students, and undergraduates to explore interdisciplinary neuroscience through skills-based interactive workshops and projects. The objective of the Academy is to promote educational equality and support access to higher education at a Russell Group university.
The King’s Engaged Research Awards ceremony brought together staff, students, and community partners to celebrate and recognise broadening engagement with research at King’s. Over 130 people gathered for the ceremony with 13 prize winners selected from 100 nominations. Each winner was presented with a trophy, certificate, and £200.
The ceremony was hosted by Professor 'Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) and Professor Sir Bashir Al-Hashimi, Vice President (Research & Innovation). The Awards align with the core principles of One King’s Impact, recognising impactful, multidisciplinary initiatives that drive collaborations and innovative solutions in service to society.
The Integrated Education, Research, and Service Award was presented by Abigail Oyedele of Citizens UK and Abi Robertson of One King’s Impact. Huge congratulations to Leigh Wilson and the many contributors to Dev Neuro Academy!