Dr Clara Barker

Dr Clara Barker is a leading thin film material scientist specialising in superconductors for quantum and fusion applications, and a prominent transgender voice within the LGBTQI+ community. Based at the University of Oxford, Clara combines cutting edge scientific research with impactful advocacy. Recognised as both a Stonewall School Role Model and Trans Role Model, she has built a reputation as an authentic and authoritative LGBT speaker. Her work bridges science and lived experience, making her a compelling choice for organisations seeking meaningful conversations around inclusion, identity and representation.

Clara’s career began with a strong foundation in engineering, completing her degree at Manchester Metropolitan University before progressing into industry as a development engineer. She later transitioned into academia, completing a PhD and undertaking postdoctoral research, including work at Empa. Her early roles at Oxford, including laboratory management, laid the groundwork for her progression into advanced research. Now a researcher within the Centre for Applied Superconductivity at the University of Oxford, Clara focuses on thin film superconductors, contributing to developments in emerging technologies while steadily building her voice as both a scientist and advocate.

Alongside her scientific achievements, Clara has held a number of influential leadership and advisory roles. She serves as Dean for Equality and Diversity at Linacre College and chaired the Oxford Universities LGBT+ Advisory Group, shaping institutional approaches to inclusion. She has contributed to national discussions as a representative to the Institute of Physics Council for Inclusion and Diversity and as a member of the Royal Society Diversity Committee. Her contributions have been widely recognised, including a Pride in STEM Decadal Award, Oxford Universities first VC Diversity Role Model award and the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Clara has also been featured in educational books such as Science People and Engineers Making a Difference, highlighting LGBT representation in STEM.

Clara is highly sought after as an LGBT speaker because she delivers insight with both credibility and relatability. Drawing directly from her experiences as a transgender scientist, she speaks on equality, identity and inclusion with clarity and nuance. Her talks, including her appearance at TEDxLondon Women, resonate across corporate, academic and public audiences. She combines personal storytelling with practical frameworks, helping organisations understand how inclusive cultures are built and sustained. Whether speaking on panels, delivering keynotes or contributing to media discussions, Clara offers a rare blend of scientific expertise and lived perspective, making her an impactful voice on LGBT issues in modern workplaces.