Professor Matt Jarvis has been shortlisted for a Vice-Chancellor Award 2025, awards that celebrate the University of Oxford’s outstanding people. He was one of six people and initiatives to be shortlisted for the Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award that recognises colleagues who role-model ED&I through their work, making a difference at Oxford.
Professor Jarvis was nominated for exemplifying inclusive leadership above and beyond his work as supervisor and mentor, researcher, and Associate Head for People in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS). His compassionate empowerment of and powerful advocacy for minoritised and marginalised groups demonstrates rigour, indefatigability, and community-wide impact on culture change.
Professor Jarvis has been championing ED&I in the Department of Physics for many years, first as a member and then chair of the Physics EDI committee. He successfully led the case for Juno Champion status – the Institute of Physics’ flagship gender equality award – and revamped the composition of the EDI committee. He was appointed as the first Associate Head for People in the MPLS division in March 2020. In this role he has worked tirelessly to promote under-represented voices across the division and the University and make positive changes to the culture within the collegiate University.
‘It is really lovely to be nominated by people who I have worked closely with over the past 5 years and I hope I have helped people in my various roles,’ comments Professor Jarvis. ‘There are so many people who are in far less secure positions than myself, who experience discrimination in their every-day lives, but continue to find the energy to help improve the environment for the rest of us. So most of all, I hope I have helped amplify their voices as they are the people who deserve the recognition.’
‘Matt has shown enormous commitment and determination in his work to create an inclusive environment in the Department of Physics and beyond,’ comments Professor Andrew Boothroyd, Head of Department. ‘Our department is a better place for it and this recognition is incredibly well deserved.’
Professor Jarvis will be giving a flash talk about his work in ED&I at 2.30pm on Tuesday 13 May at the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Showcase 2025, an event for University staff that will take place in the Weston Library.