Bernardine Evaristo

Bernardine Evaristo is a Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London and the first Black woman to hold the presidency of the Royal Society of Literature. She is an award-winning author and academic, recognized globally for her literary contributions. Her honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London (2022) underscores her impact in literature and academia.

Education: She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Goldsmiths, University of London, alongside degrees from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama (where she serves as President) and Eltham Hill Girls’ Grammar School. Her work bridges creativity and critical discourse, reflecting her Nigerian-English heritage and focus on marginalized voices.

Research interests include postcolonial narratives, gender dynamics in literature, and the African diaspora experience. Her acclaimed novel Girl, Woman, Other (2019) won the Booker Prize, marking a milestone as the first Black British winner. This work exemplifies her exploration of identity, intersectionality, and cultural resilience.

• Awards: Booker Prize, MBE, OBE, Honorary Fellowship
• Leadership Roles: Royal Society of Literature President, Rose Bruford College President

While no specific grants or formal advisees are listed, her academic leadership and literary output reflect significant contributions to creative writing pedagogy and literary scholarship.

She actively engages with contemporary cultural debates, advocating for diversity in literature and academia through her writing and institutional roles.