Irina Lazar

Irina Lazar is an Associate Professor (Teaching) and Director of Education in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at University College London. Previously, she held senior academic roles at the University of Bristol, including Senior Lecturer in Dynamics and Control and Faculty Education Director (Undergraduate Engineering). She earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol (2016), a Master's in Public Policy Analysis from LSE (2021), and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering from Technical University of Civil Engineering (Bucharest) and University of Bristol.

Her research focuses on inclusive engineering education, sustainability integration, and curriculum innovation. She leads initiatives like the Science and Engineering for Social Change programme, emphasizing blended learning and societal impact. Key projects include developing an online platform for sustainability collaboration, designing transdisciplinary engineering curricula, and addressing exclusionary practices in higher education through staff-student partnerships. She actively contributes to national initiatives via the GW4 Alliance and Engineering Professors Council.

Irina’s work bridges engineering and public policy, addressing gaps between technological advancements and societal implementation. Her research on structural dynamics and vibration control (e.g., inerter dampers) showcases technical expertise, while her educational research explores student experiences in online/hybrid learning and international student integration. She advocates for SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action) through her pedagogical innovations.

Her professional network spans multiple disciplines and institutions. She has designed outreach programmes to increase access to engineering, particularly for underrepresented groups, and collaborates internationally on education policy reforms. A passionate multilingual educator, she speaks seven languages and emphasizes global competency in curriculum design.