University associate professor is recognised in celebration of British Pakistani academics

University of Gloucestershire’s Dr Adeela Shafi MBE has been recognised on a roll of honour celebrating British Pakistani academics, trainers and teachers who have made a significant contribution to education and wider society.

Dr Shafi is included in a list of 75 nominated people compiled by the charity UPSIGN (UK-Pakistan Science and Innovation Global Network), which works globally to promote mentoring, supporting and educating UK-based British Pakistanis and Pakistanis, as well as highlighting their work in education and academia.

The list was produced by UPSIGN to mark the 75^th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence and includes academics who have carried out impactful research across a wide range of subject areas, including engineering, medicine, business management and law.

Dr Shafi has a background in psychology and education, teaching in higher education for more than 16 years, with her research drawing on psychological theories to explore how to re-engage young offenders with formal education and learning in a secure custodial setting. 

An active community worker, she has been at the forefront of the Active Games for Change (AG4C) and RENYO (Re-Engaging Young Offenders in Education) projects, which have made a difference to the lives of hundreds of young people.

Dr Shafi played a key role in developing a new education and personal development programme for young people, the EU-funded Skills4Life After Prison Curriculum, with partners from the UK, Italy, France and Greece.

In 2020, she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contributions in research and services to social justice in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Dr Shafi, Associate Professor within the University’s School of Education and Humanities,  said: “I’m honoured to have been included alongside so many talented and knowledgeable people in UPSIGN’s list of notable British Pakistani academics, trainers and teachers.

“The list brings attention to the contribution that British Pakistanis are currently having on the world around us across a number of areas, hopefully providing role models and inspiration for the next generation.”