Race Equity Lead awarded prestigious National Teaching Fellowship for driving anti-racist educational change

Dr Shakir, who is an Associate Professor of Learning and Teaching and the Strategic Lead for Race Equity at Leeds Trinity, is an expert in anti-racism, who has transformed approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education (HE), leading to improved outcomes for disadvantaged students. Her work has directly contributed to reducing Leeds Trinity’s awarding gap between white and Global Majority students on campus from 13.1% in 2022, to 2.3% in 2025, compared to a sector average of 11.4%*.  

Throughout her two decades in academia, Dr Shakir has co-created curriculum content alongside students, developed award-winning digital resources to tackle racism, and led the University's Race Equality Charter (REC) work, making Leeds Trinity the first university in Yorkshire and only seventh nationally to receive the REC Silver award in 2025.  

Additionally, Dr Shakir has developed coaching programmes to improve student success, advised HE and non-HE organisations across the country on implementing meaningful interventions that enable sustainable change, and established an international network of over 200 scholars and activists from 12 countries, who are committed to anti-racist education and action.   

Dr Shakir said: “Receiving a National Teaching Fellowship is an incredible honour because it recognises something I have always believed: educational excellence and social justice are not separate ambitions. The best universities do not simply produce graduates. They create communities where learning transforms people, institutions are prepared to transform themselves, and students leave believing they can shape a more equitable society.  

“That work is never finished. Every conversation, every partnership, every piece of research, every evaluation and every classroom interaction offer another opportunity to learn. Universities are not transformed by policies alone. They are transformed by people who are prepared to listen, learn, and lead together.” 

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University said: “Huge congratulations to Syra on this prestigious recognition. Her pioneering work has paved the way for Leeds Trinity to become a sector leader in the field of race equity, culminating with our REC Silver award, as we continue to advance our commitment to equality, inclusivity, and belonging, so all of our students can thrive.  

“Syra’s work inspires colleagues at Leeds Trinity and across the sector every day to actively challenge racism and adopt meaningful action to improve outcomes for disadvantaged students. We are very proud of her achievements.” 

Awarded by Advance HE, an NTF is one of the highest honours for HE professionals, recognising educators who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made outstanding contributions to enhancing the student experience.  

Dr Shakir is one of 55 recipients of the Fellowship across the UK this year. She also becomes only the third academic in Leeds Trinity’s 60-year history to receive an NTF, following Dr Ian Dawson, a former Lecturer in History, and Leigh Hoath, Professor of Science Education. 

*According to latest Office for Students data, which shows the awarding gap between white and any other ethnicity except white, including on-campus and franchise students, 2023-24.