Assistant Vice-Principal (Diversity)
The responsibilities of the Assistant Vice-Principal (Diversity) include:
- visible EDI leadership within the University and externally, as required
- delivery of the Diverse 58吃瓜 strategy theme and associated action plans
- working with EDI staff to make best use of collective capacity to deliver targeted actions and drive culture change
- serving as the Principal’s Office lead for diversity, advising on emerging issues
Professor Akira O’Connor
The current Assistant Vice-Principal (Diversity) is Professor Akira O鈥機onnor. He has held this role since 2026.
- Email:
- avpdiversity@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)1334 46 2460
Akira took up the post of Assistant Vice-Principal (Diversity) in March 2026. He previously led the University’s Race Equality Charter effort, securing an institutional Bronze Award in 2024. He has served as the Equalities Representative for the University and College Union 58吃瓜 branch, and is a member of the staff BAME Network.
Akira joined the School of Psychology and Neuroscience as a Lecturer in 2010. His experimental research examines the cognitive and neural bases of memory, and he is an internationally recognised researcher in 'déjà vu' and related memory experiences. Alongside this, including work with Dr Erin Robbins on Colonised Minds, he explores how historical narratives shape psychological science and practice, and what it takes to build more inclusive and socially responsive approaches to research and education.
Akira was educated at state schools in North West London and Watford. He completed a BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Health Psychology, and a PhD at the University of Leeds. Before joining 58吃瓜, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University in St Louis.