Tracey Irene

Tracey Irene is a distinguished academic at the University of Oxford, serving since 2018 as Pro-Vice Chancellor and since 2019 as Professor Anaesthetic Neuroscience and Warden of Merton College. She has held leadership roles including Head of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (2016–2019) and Director of the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB) from 2005 to 2015.

• Education:
  • B.A. (Hons) Biochemistry, University of Oxford (1989, First Class Honours)
  • D.Phil. Biochemistry, University of Oxford (1993)

Her research focuses on neuroimaging of pain, analgesia, and anaesthesia, bridging clinical neuroscience and pain mechanisms. She pioneered functional MRI studies to understand chronic pain and pain modulation, contributing foundational work in human brain and muscle diseases during her postdoctoral training.

Scientific awards and honors include:

• 2008 Triennial Patrick Wall Award (Royal College of Anaesthetists)
• 2009 Fellowship from Royal College of Anaesthetists
• 2015 Fellowship from the Academy of Medical Sciences
• 2017 Feldberg Foundation Prize
• 2018 Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience Award (British Neuroscience Association)

She founded and directed the FMRIB Centre, a leading hub for functional neuroimaging research, and has held tutorial fellowships at Christ Church and Pembroke College.