Prof. Esther Titilayo Akinlabi is a distinguished mechanical engineer and academic leader, currently serving as Deputy Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Northumbria University, UK. With a rich background in advanced manufacturing research, she has held key leadership roles at the University of Johannesburg and PAULESI, Nigeria. A champion for women in STEM, she is actively involved in organisations like OWSD and the African Academy of Sciences. At the WLHE Summit 2025, she brings expertise in research excellence and gender inclusivity, inspiring women to lead and innovate in higher education and engineering.