Professor Eleanor Stride awarded Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers

The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers are one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies, with a strong contemporary focus on supporting materials science, engineering research, education and skills development. Through funding, fellowships and educational initiatives, the Company plays an important role in advancing science and engineering in the UK and internationally.

A mechanical engineer by training, Professor Eleanor Stride holds a joint appointment spanning engineering and orthopaedics in the Department of Engineering Science and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences. Her research focuses on advanced drug-delivery systems, developing innovative ways to deliver powerful medicines, including cancer therapies, antimicrobial treatments and stroke interventions, directly to targeted areas of the body, while reducing harmful side effects.

Her work brings together fundamental engineering science and clinical application. Professor Stride leads a large interdisciplinary research group in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Oxford, working with clinicians, scientists and mathematicians, with projects ranging from laboratory research to ongoing and planned clinical studies. One key area of focus is antimicrobial resistance, an urgent global health challenge.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Stride said, “It is a real honour to be recognised by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, an organisation that does so much to support science, engineering and education. Their commitment to addressing modern scientific challenges, while drawing on a long and distinguished history, makes this recognition particularly meaningful.”

Alongside her research, Professor Stride plays a leading role in national science leadership. She has recently been appointed Chair of the Science Committee of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and will take up the role from June this year, helping to shape support for science, engineering and innovation through fellowships and new initiatives in skills and apprenticeships.