Lancaster University has long fostered scholars who make a difference— some of these, such as Dr. Shazneen Limjerwala (nee Commissariat) embody the breadth and depth of international impact. Her journey, from student to global educator, researcher and change maker, mirrors many of Lancaster’s values: rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary thinking, and compassionate engagement. It is therefore fitting that she has been awarded the NISAU Award in Education, Science & Technology for Indian Alumni of UK institutions—a recognition that underlines her outstanding contributions to society, to education, and to science.

Shazneen earned her PhD in Health Research at Lancaster, where her thesis explored the “Dialectics of Voice and Silence: The Aftermath of Rape in Gujarat,” focussing on how medico-legal and social systems respond to survivors of sexual violence. This work showcased the rigorous research skills she cultivated at Lancaster—scientific method, critical reading and writing, as well as her commitment to listening to and sharing voice with the vulnerable.

At Lancaster, she was academically supported by Professor Maggie Mort (chief supervisor) along with Professor Katrina Roen, Dr. Moira Peelo (writing facilitator), Dr. Amanda Bingley, Tim Atkin (Narrative therapist with NHS), Dr. Anne Grinyer (Health Research Ethics Specialist) and Professor Chris Hatton. Each of them contributed to her professional growth and Maggie and Amanda continue to share their knowledge with her.

Since completing her PhD, Shazneen has worked across several countries, including roles in India (IIM Ahmedabad, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, SNDT University), a research fellowship with Oxfam GB, and collaborations with the Medical Research Council in South Africa.

Her work is around topics as diverse as social work, psychotherapy, mental health, pedagogical innovation, communication and gender. For her, education must engage the student and audience. In her classes she has used film, role-play and experiential exercises (eg. simulating hearing voices to understand mental illness) and interactive discussion to foster deeper learning.

She has also published important research—on vicarious trauma, sexual violence, and researcher trauma, among other subjects through Sage Publications, Oxford University Press, Indian Journal of Social Work and others. She has crafted curricula, taught in many different universities, led workshops, and been active in mentoring, facilitating leadership seminars.

As a result Shazneen’s work has earned multiple honours including:

• The WZCC (World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce) Outstanding Young Zoroastrian Professional award.
• The NAOP Award for Outstanding Young Psychologist.
• The Zonta “Woman of the Year” award (Mumbai Chapter).
• The Mahudawala Award for Outstanding Achievement.
• Various academic scholarships and fellowships during her PhD: the JNTata endowment scholarship, Overseas Research Studentship, Peel Studentship, etc.

Now, the NISAU Award in Education, Science & Technology (Indian Alumni of UK) further acknowledges her exceptional combination of scholarship, teaching, curriculum innovation and social impact. It recognises how she has applied scientific and educational rigour not only to research, but to systemic social issues — sexual violence, mental health, special education — and done so across countries, disciplines, and sectors.

Shazneen demonstrates several qualities that embody Lancaster’s aspirations:

1. Interdisciplinary Stance: She brings together psychology, social sciences, gender studies, communication and more, refusing simplistic silos.
2. Applied scholarship: Her research doesn’t stay in journals—it is used in classrooms, in training, in policy debates, community work.
3. Global perspective with local rootedness: Though educated in the UK, much of her work focuses on India (and collaborations abroad), showing that global knowledge can be deeply attuned to local contexts.
4. Commitment to the vulnerable: Whether survivors of violence, special needs students, or marginalised community members, she has used her skills and platform to support and empower.

The NISAU award is a recognition that education, science, and technology can be forces for healing, justice and transformation. Shazneen’s work combines research depth, educational innovation, and social impact to foster change and she attributes many of these award-winning skills to her work at Lancaster University.