Deborah Longbottom is co-Head of the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, alongside her colleague, Professor Stephen Jenkins, and was previously (May 2018-September 2026) Deputy Head (Education) in the School of the Physical Sciences (SPS).

As co-Heads of the Department, Deborah and Stephen take overall responsibility for the smooth running of the Department in all areas, with Deborah taking a lead primarily on education-related matters, Stephen on research-related matters. Deborah is also currently co-leading (with Professor Sally Boss) the review of our UG education in Chemistry, as part of the Natural Sciences course, including all aspects of course structure and content, practical skills training and inclusive education. She previously created the postgraduate student training programme in the Department of Chemistry, held College Fellowships of various types at Homerton, Trinity and Churchill Colleges, and built her subsequent education-focused career on a solid research background. Indeed, she spent many rewarding years researching organic synthesis/methodology with Professors Steven V. Ley, K. C. Nicolaou and Rachel O'Reilly, co-authoring 38 publications, as well as spending valuable time in the pharmaceutical industry. She has won awards e.g. Fulbright Scholarship (postdoc), Pilkington Prize (excellent teaching) and Student-led teaching award (student support).

In her Deputy Head of School (Education) role (May 2018-Sept 2026), she had oversight of all educational matters relating to SPS Departments and acted as member/Chair in multiple University Committees and working groups. Areas of focus included outreach & widening participation, equality, diversity & inclusion, research culture, recruitment & admissions, student support, student numbers management, assessment, examination & student attainment, Tripos management, sustainable education development, quality and policy, educational gain, postgraduate student funding (including leading EPSRC DLAs) and researcher development. This role also allowed for involvement in e.g. careers, education monitoring and review process development, PG complaints, PG students with criminal convictions, the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre, code of practice development, as well as the University-wide Reviews of disability, teaching and PG education.

With this wealth of previous experience, Deborah is delighted to have been provided with the opportunity to co-lead the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, in partnership with Stephen, with all the challenges and opportunities it brings.