About
Prof. Esther Titilayo Akinlabi is a distinguished mechanical engineer and academic leader serving as Deputy Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Northumbria University. Renowned for her contributions to advanced manufacturing research and her advocacy for women in STEM, she has held senior leadership roles across higher education institutions in Africa and the UK. Through her work with organizations such as the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and the African Academy of Sciences, she continues to champion gender inclusivity, research excellence, and leadership development in higher education.
Biography
Prof. Esther Titilayo Akinlabi is a globally recognised mechanical engineer, researcher, and academic leader currently serving as Deputy Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Northumbria University. With an extensive career spanning Africa and the United Kingdom, she has held senior leadership positions in higher education and played a pivotal role in advancing research excellence, innovation, and postgraduate education. Her expertise lies in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, and sustainable production systems, and she has made significant contributions through her research, publications, and mentorship of emerging scholars. A passionate advocate for gender equality in STEM, Prof. Akinlabi actively supports initiatives that promote the participation and leadership of women in science and engineering through organisations such as the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and the African Academy of Sciences. Through her distinguished career, she continues to champion innovation, inclusive leadership, and the advancement of higher education on a global scale.