Congratulations to Ulster University’s latest award winner, Professor Tara Moore. HRH The Princess Royal presented Tara with the prestigious WISE (Women in to Science & Engineering) Hero Award in London in recognition of the contribution she makes to health, well being, safety and improving people’s lives through science and technology.
Currently Associate Director of the Biomedical Science Research Institute and Vision Science Research group leader at Ulster, Tara has made a tremendous impact on people’s health, well-being and safety through her contributions to forensic and legal medicine and vision science research locally, nationally and internationally.
Tara has developed and delivered numerous innovative teaching and training courses for health care professionals to help them recognise, treat and prevent rape, child abuse and domestic violence. In addition, as one of the few experts in molecular vision, her research aims to improve treatment for debilitating blinding eye diseases, passed from parent to child.
Speaking about her achievement, Tara said: “I am really honoured to receive this award, made possible by the dedicated support of all my colleagues within the University. I am particularly indebted to Professor Hugh McKenna who nominated me and Professor Stephen Downes who provided an excellent supporting statement, which undoubtedly added great weight to my nomination.
“As an educator and researcher, I strive to inspire students and staff to see opportunities to make a difference through science. Advancement of the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) is imperative if the UK is to continue to develop and lead research and industries which compete in a world market. Our schools and universities must strive to exhort our educators to both recognise and nurture all talent in STEM subjects to ensure our continued presence within leading industrialised nations of the world. I hope that my own efforts in Ulster University may make some small contribution to this goal.”
Professor Hugh McKenna added: “I had no hesitation in nominating Professor Moore. In my view, and in that of the University, she is a researcher of exceptional ability. The general subject in which she specialises is a vibrant and much contested one and she brings to it special qualities. One is the range and depth of her knowledge and another is the comparative dimension of her work.
“This award is testament to the University’s ongoing commitment to women’s jobs and career development, evidenced by our recent institution-wide Athena SWAN Bronze Award.”
Professor Moore, mother of seven young children, endeavours to be a good role model for her own six daughters and also all young girls considering science as a career.
Video Footage of Award Ceremony