Dr Eunice Lumsden’s work recognised at ‘Women of the Year’ event

A University academic’s work and achievements in early years were recognised this week at a prestigious, annual gathering of remarkable women from across the globe.

Associate Professor Dr Eunice Lumsden – Subject Lead for Children and Families at the University – joined her ‘extraordinary ordinary’ peers at the Women of the Year Lunch yesterday (11 October).

The Lunch celebrates the achievements of 450 women, chosen because they are doing remarkable work and making a difference in the world.

Dr Lumsden had a 20-year career in social work before following her passion for tackling child inequality issues – such as poverty and child maltreatment – by specialising in early years.

She started working as a lecturer at the University in 2002 and since then has worked tirelessly to advance the status and professional standing of the early years sector. In recognition of this and her research, in 2020 the University awarded her the title of Associate Professor.

Dr Lumsden – pictured above with Baroness Floella Benjamin – said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been included in such illustrious company at the Women of the Year Lunch. To say the invite came as a surprise doesn’t quite do justice to how I felt.

“The ethos of the event, quite rightly, is about people. But flattering and wonderful as it is to be included as a professional – and as a woman – I feel it is the work done, the work that will follow, and the legacy that will have on people that is being recognised at the same time.”