Supporting Outstanding Female Academics and Researchers

The SOFAR Network launched on International Women’s Day 2020, with 30 founding from members across 15 institutions (academia and industry). We are a multi-disciplinary network of women from BSc students to senior academics/directors coming together to support women navigate:
- Career trajectories
- Work-life balance and flexible work environments
- Re-entering academia/research following a break
- Building confidence and resilience
- Navigating promotion and positions of leadership
30 Founding Members
Dr Trudi Edginton
Founder/Director
City, University of LondonProfessor Gilly Forrester
Founder/Director
Birkbeck, University of LondonProfessor Sarah Garfinkel
University College LondonDr Sian Williams
BBC, Private PracticeDr Deborah Husbands
University of WestminsterDr Elisa Frasnelli
University of TrentoProfessor Tracy Kivell
University of KentDr Cara Courage
Tate ExchangeDr Jo Van Herwegen
Institute of Education UCLDr Ilham Sebah
Royal HollowayDr Ute Liersch
Private Practice, Birkbeck University of LondonDr Katie Gilligan
University of SurreyDr Georgina Donati
University of OxfordDr Tara Zaksaite
University of PortsmouthDr Jessica Nielsen
City, Univ of LondonDr Brittney Chere
Centre for Brain & Cognitive DevelopmentDr Jenny Horwood
PfizerDr Sarah Johns
University of KentAva Green
City University of LondonProfessor Natasha Kirkham
Birkbeck, University of LondonDr Sarah Mackenzie Ross
Private Practice, UCLDr Johanna Jackson
Imperial, University of LondonKarien Kitshoff
Birkbeck, University of LondonLizzie Smith
University of SussexDr Michelle Newman
City, University of LondonProfessor Emily Farran
University of SurreyDr Ameline Bardo
MNHN, ParisProfessor Clare Press
Birkbeck, University of LondonDr Rachael Davis
Queen Mary CollegeEllie Jackson
University College London
15 Institutions

Academia Patron:
Uta Frith

Uta is best known for her ground-breaking research on autism and dyslexia that has resulted in novel investigative approaches to how brains develop to acquire your unique cognitive abilities. She is an advocate for the advancement of women in science and has created opportunities to encourage women to network, share ideas and support each other. In true Me, Human spirit, she is passionate about science communication and public engagement and has presented documentaries, published a number of books and has over 34,000 Twitter followers.
Industry Patron:
Rachel Neaman
Rachel is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She is a specialist in digital transformation with extensive senior leadership experience in government and industry. Rachel has many accomplishments of note – including becoming the Department of Health’s first Digital Leader was featured in Computer Weekly’s annual list of Most Influential Women in IT since 2016. She runs a consulting business and serves as non-executive director on multiple boards including DigitalHealth London.
