LJMU’s first black African professor honoured as national trailblazer
by Educate Magazine October 21, 2026 · University News
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is celebrating a landmark achievement. Professor Amos Fatokun, the institution’s first Black African full professor, has been named Trailblazer of the Year at the 2026 Black Talent Awards.
Professor Amos is a leading academic in pharmaceutical sciences. The awards recognised him for a career defined by pioneering research, transformative leadership and an unwavering commitment to equality, mentoring and opening doors for future generations. Judges described his influence across education, research and institutional change as “a benchmark rarely seen across any category.”
National recognition for a historic career
The Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham hosted this year’s awards ceremony. It brought together professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders from across the UK for the Black Talent Awards’ fifth‑anniversary ‘Chapter Five’ celebration.
In a letter marking the occasion, the Prime Minister praised the awards for championing inclusive employers and recognising Black professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders. He highlighted the importance of celebrating diverse communities and acknowledging the barriers that still exist. He noted that everyone should have “a fair chance to get on in life.”
Amos was selected from more than 300 nominations. An independent panel of 20 senior leaders from sectors including law, technology, media, education and healthcare chose the winners. Five youth judges also contributed to the process, reflecting the awards’ commitment to developing future leaders and amplifying intergenerational perspectives.
Judges praise exceptional impact
In their citation, judges said:
“Professor Amos has been selected as the Trailblazer of the Year because the impact of the submission and interview was simply too significant to go unrecognised. The breadth of influence across education, research, innovation, mentoring, representation and institutional change made Professor Amos stand out as an exceptional candidate.”
They highlighted his work supporting students and early‑career researchers globally. They commended how he has advanced race equality initiatives, shaped curriculum development and driven meaningful change through national and international leadership.
A milestone moment for LJMU
Amos’ recognition adds to LJMU’s growing reputation for excellence, inclusion and leadership across higher education. His achievement reflects the university’s commitment to supporting diverse talent and creating opportunities for students, staff and communities locally and internationally.
Celebrating Black excellence across the UK
The 2026 Black Talent Awards honoured winners across 15 categories. It spanned financial services, STEM, education, professional services, media, public services, retail, charity, entrepreneurship and social impact. The awards gave t wo additional honours were awarded: Professor Fatokun’s Trailblazer Award and a Certificate of Recognition for Aaron White of Key4Life.
This year’s 17 recipients bring the total number of individuals and organisations recognised since the awards launched to 95.
Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards, said:
“Chapter Five has been a celebration of everything the Black Talent Awards was created to achieve: making exceptional talent visible, recognising genuine impact and giving people the national platform their work deserves.”
She added that the awards’ true impact lies in “the connections made, the doors opened and the next generation inspired.”
A growing national platform
The Black Talent Awards was founded in Birmingham as a grassroots initiative to increase the visibility of Black professionals. It has now grown into a national platform connecting talent, employers, entrepreneurs and future leaders. The fifth‑anniversary ceremony returned to Edgbaston Stadium, with keynote speaker John Amaechi OBE. He delivered a powerful address on inclusive leadership and tackling challenges with courage.
Birmingham City University was the headline sponsor of the 2026 awards, with support from:
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Roots Inspire
- Archangelica
- Vision for All
- Laura Serrant
- AXIOM JV
Other partners include:
- Barclays Eagle Labs
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Merlin Entertainments
- Purple Squared AV
- Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
- Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners
Visit blacktalentawards.co.uk for more information.
