Hail the women in research and education
Last updated on 2 April 2025
To mark the celebrations for this year’s International Women’s Day, here are some of the pioneering women in scientific research and education that our campus buildings have been named after.
Marjorie Ziff
Marjorie Ziff MBE was an English philanthropist known for her assistance to the Leeds Jewish community. She was a patron of the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.
Ziff was an honorary graduate and a long-standing friend of the University of Leeds.
As a result of her help within the community of Leeds, Ziff received an MBE in the 2011 New Year Honours.
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
Esther Simpson
University of Leeds graduate Esther Simpson was a dedicated, honourable lobbyist and organiser for the Academic Assistance Council. She helped to restructure the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Western World.
Esther helped hundreds of refugees during World War II, placing them in different work positions all over the world. She received an OBE in 1956 as a result of her efforts.
Artist’s impression of the Esther Simpson building
Irene Manton
Irene Manton was a British botanist and Professor of Botany at the University of Leeds, well known for her study of ferns and algae.
She was made the first female President of the Linnean Society of London.
Manton established the biological use of electron microscopy.
Irene Manton building
Storm Jameson
Margaret Ethel Storm Jameson was an English journalist and author, recognised for her novels and reviews.
Jameson was President of the British International PEN Association , and actively helped refugee writers.
She joined the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies, and in 1913, participated in the Women’s Pilgrimage to show the House of Commons how many women wanted the vote.
Storm Jameson Court
