Dr Yusra Siddiqui is an academic who effectively links the worlds of scientific research and innovative higher education pedagogy.
Her career is defined by a commitment to both understanding the molecular basis of disease and fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment for the next generation of scientists. She brings extensive experience across UK and international higher education, having previously served at the Universities of Exeter and Derby.
Her scientific foundation is rooted in cell biology, specifically focusing on the complex mechanisms of cancer. Her research has explored prostate cancer biology, leveraging modern genomic approaches. She publishes widely across biomedical and educational fields, actively engaging in collaborative research and educational initiatives.
A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (since 2021) and a Member of the Royal Society of Biology, Dr Siddiqui is also an active member of the RSB Bioscience Educators’ Network steering group. Her pedagogical philosophy centres on transforming the academic landscape to better serve a diverse student body. Her teaching and scholarly interests focus on inclusive and equitable education, curriculum decolonisation, and assessment innovation in the biosciences.
She has contributed to national pedagogical initiatives, such as the QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project on inclusive education, and has led departmental work on diversifying and decolonising the curriculum.
Dr Siddiqui is a prominent advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in science education and is frequently invited to lead workshops and conference talks in the area. In her previous role at the University of Exeter, she served as the Academic Lead for Student Support (Racial, Equality and Inclusion), implementing strategies to narrow awarding gaps and championing culturally sensitive teaching practices.
Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her co-founding of SS Tutor, an online platform dedicated to educational support. Having worked across multiple countries, Dr Siddiqui possesses a unique, globally informed perspective that enriches her holistic approach to academia.