OXFORD University’s Dr Clara Barker has been awarded a prestigious Points of Light award by the Prime Minister’s Office, recognising her outstanding contribution to Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender awareness.
In a personal letter to Clara, Prime Minister Theresa May praised her work for the university and in the community.
“Your tireless volunteer work with LGBT+ groups across Oxford is educating young people and members of the public in the importance of diversity and different identities. You are a positive role model for the community and you should be proud of your ongoing work in transgender education and support.”
Dr Barker, who identifies as trans-female, manages a Centre for Applied Superconductivity run by two Oxford departments, Materials and Physics.
She said: “It was a really nice surprise to receive this.
“It’s not why you do it but the recognition is lovely.’
The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers.
It was launched by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2014, copying a United States Presidential model dating back to 1990.
Dr Barker added that the current Prime Minister has continued to support LGBT+ issues first highlighted by her predecessor.
In her professional capacity as laboratory manager Dr Barker manages a rapidly growing project involving more than 20 faculty and research students.
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