University of Surrey academic awarded with prestigious Purple Plaque

A University of Surrey academic has been awarded a prestigious Purple Plaque for their work in tackling bias against neurodivergent people and contributions to technology.

Dr Callwood in front of her Purple Plaque

Dr Alison Callwood has been recognised for her significant contributions to technology and her dedication to empowering neurodivergent individuals.

Dr Callwood, Senior Lecturer in Integrated Care (Midwifery), is also the founder of Sammi-Select, a pioneering online interview and assessment platform.

The Purple Plaque is part of Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award initiative and looks to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM.

It’s an honour to receive this award. I hope it will inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact, even in the face of adversity. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported me and my team. Their unwavering belief in our mission has been key to our success. Dr Alison Callwood, Senior Lecturer in Integrated Care (Midwifery)

Dr Callwood’s GENIUS project (Generating Neurodiverse Inclusion Selection) focused on developing technologies to assist neurodivergent individuals in successfully entering the workforce and was instrumental in securing the Purple Plaque.

Through a unique user-led approach, GENIUS has engaged with over 250 neurodivergent volunteers to gain valuable insights into their experiences and needs. By prioritising personalisation and innovative communication methods, Dr Callwood and her team at GENIUS aim to improve accessibility for individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia during online interviews and assessments, levelling the playing field for underrepresented groups.

The Purple Plaque is proudly displayed in the Kate Granger Building at the University’s Manor Park campus.

Congratulations to Alison on this prestigious accolade, which is recognition of her hard work and dedication to empowering neurodivergent and underrepresented groups. We look forward to seeing what she achieves in 2025. Professor Aimee Aubeeluck, Professor of Health Psychology, Head of School of Health Sciences