Avtar Matharu

I am an academic in the Department of Chemistry and Chair of its Graduate School Board. Within the University, I am co-Chair of SREF, a member of the Race Equality Coordination Group, the University Senate, and the Partnerships, Enterprise and Engagement Committee. Externally, I am Chair of the York Interfaith Group and serve on several City of York Council Community Action Committees, particularly the York Hate Crime Action Group.

I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to Leicester at the age of 6 in the early 70s.  I am proud to be who I am. I am Sikh, and in 2021 became the first Professor of Sikh heritage in the history of the University of York.  My proudest achievement to date was to give SREF members a voice and recognition within the University as a result of a successful listening exercise and implementation of a strategic agenda through working with amazing colleagues.