Professor who swapped lab for the front line of peacebuilding honoured

A professor who swapped the laboratory for the front line of peacebuilding after civil war engulfed Libya has been recognised by the University of Essex for transforming the lives of women and young people.

Internationally respected academic, human rights advocate and peacebuilder Professor Rida Al Tubuly was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her tireless work promoting democracy, peace and equality in one of the world's most challenging conflict zones.

The award celebrates a remarkable career that has seen the pharmacologist and Essex graduate become one of Libya's leading voices for women's rights and peacebuilding after conflict changed the course of her life and career.

Accepting her honorary degree, Professor Al Tubuly reflected on how her understanding of healing had changed.

'In a conflict context, healing is bigger than medicine'

She said: "People often ask me how a Professor of Pharmacology became involved in peacebuilding, peace-making and human rights.

"My answer is simple: I did not change direction. I changed scale – the scale of healing.

"In a conflict context, healing is bigger than medicine. It is also about justice, dignity, voice, and people being able to shape their own lives and future."

Addressing the graduating class, she urged students to use their education to make a difference.

She said: "You leave this place not with all the answers, but with something more powerful: the ability to think, to question, to care, and to act with purpose. Hold on to that."

Healing the damage of war

A Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Tripoli, Professor Al Tubuly built an internationally recognised career in medicine before helping rebuild Libya's pharmaceutical systems following the 2011 conflict.

As violence escalated, she realised medicine alone could not heal the damage war was inflicting on communities.

She went on to co-found Together We Build It, an organisation dedicated to promoting peace, human rights and democratic participation across Libya, helping women and young people gain the confidence, skills and opportunities to shape the future of their country.

Her work has taken her to the United Nations Security Council, where she addressed world leaders on the importance of women's participation in building lasting peace, while she has advised governments and international organisations including the United Nations, UN Women and the Council of Europe.

She also serves as Executive Manager of Libya's 1325 Network, championing the global agenda to increase women's role in peace and security.

In 2019 she was named as one of the BBC's 100 Women, recognising influential women whose work is helping shape a better future.

'Change often begins with the courage to imagine a better future'

Professor Al Tubuly also has a close connection to Essex. 

In 2017 she completed a Masters in International Human Rights Law at the University while continuing her work to support peace and democracy in Libya.

During her studies she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery, but continued her degree, describing the experience as another lesson in resilience.

Dean of Essex Law School Professor Onyeka Osuji Dean said: “Rida's journey reminds us that education is not merely a means of personal advancement, but a tool through which we can confront injustice, strengthen communities and expand opportunities for those around us.

“And it shows us that meaningful change often begins with the courage to imagine a better future and the determination to work towards it.

“As an academic, humanitarian, advocate and champion for women and young people, Professor Rida Al Tubuly embodies the values that the University of Essex has long championed the belief that education can truly change lives.”