Leeds alumni in the Study UK
Alumni Awards

Discover the global impact of Leeds alumni recognised in the Study UK Alumni Awards in 2023-24, and find out how to become the next winner from Leeds.

The British Council Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of UK alumni living outside the UK.

The Awards highlight the global impact of individuals across four award categories: Science and Sustainability, Culture and Creativity, Social Action and Business and Innovation. 

On the 10 year anniversary of the global awards, meet the latest winners from Leeds, and enter into next year's contest.

Could you be the next winner from Leeds?

Apply from 1 September 2024 to share your achievements on the world stage in the 2024-25 Study UK Alumni Awards – applications are open from 1 September until 21 October 2024.

From entrepreneurs to scientists, poets to engineers, the Study UK Awards recognises anyone who excels in their field.

Read about how to apply and make your application stand out.

Bing Hou

Winner
Science and Sustainability
China

Executive Director of Drug Discovery at Antengene Bing Hou (PhD Biomedicine 2015) has advanced many drugs into clinical trials which benefit patients globally. Bing applies the ‘breaking borders of knowledge’ research approach he learned at the University of Leeds to his work on cancer drug discovery.

Chikaodili Ane-Deng

Winner
Social Action
France

Chikaodili Ane-Deng (MPH 2009) was recognised for her contribution to care systems for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria. A public health expert and data analyst, Chikaodili has monitored the epidemiological trend of HIV prevalence, and contributed to the development of coherent health programs and services to save lives in Nigeria.

Sophie Raobeharilala

Winner
Culture and Creativity
France

Sophie Raobeharilala (History of Art with Museum Studies 2011) was named winner for her work to unravel the histories of artworks – and is one of the few provenance researchers in Europe working on looted cars.

Jumana Ma'touq

Winner
Science and Sustainability
Jordan

Whilst studying at Leeds, Dr Jumana Ma'touq (MSc Medical Engineering 2012) explored the biomechanics of NHS cardiology staff, and the high incidence of back pain amongst the group. Now Assistant Professor at German Jordanian University, Jumana hopes her journey will inspire women in STEM to follow her path.

Manar Samnan

Winner
Science and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia

Dr Manar Samman (MSc Bioscience 2010; Medicine 2015) is the Chairperson of Clinical Pathology at King Fahad Medical Centre. She was recognised for her role in diagnosing hereditary diseases and improving patient care. She is also a researcher, developing knowledge to help shape the future of medicine.

Of over 1,500 applications, the following Leeds alumni were named finalists in their respective categories:

• Eric Palacpac (PhD Geography 2010), Social Action, Phillipines – for the impact of his pioneering agricultural work in the Philippines;
• Hend Alhathboor Airemeithi (MA Society, Media and Culture 2019), Culture & Creativity, UAE – for various achievements, including designing and implementing communication programs and media events at Dubai Economy and Tourism;
• Mohamed Kamal (MSc Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering 2019), Science & Sustainability, Egypt​ – for his work as a consultant, activist and advocate in the environmental and climate sector;
• Linh-Chi Ngac (MA International Communications 2012), Science & Sustainability, Vietnam​ – for her efforts working for non-profits to serve vulnerable people, including disadvantaged children and victims of abuse and human trafficking;
• Mohamed Owais Shalaby (MBA 2017), Business and Innovation, Egypt​ – for his work as a financial advisor over a 17-year career;
• Neha Gupta (MA International Journalism 2009), Social Action , India​ – for her work as a communications expert and journalist amplifying the voices of marginalised people;
• Savi Munjal (PhD English Literature 2012), Culture & Creativity , India​ – for her achievements as an academic, philanthropist, entrepreneur and best-selling author;
• Swagata Majumdar (MA International Communication 2012), Culture & Creativity, India​ – for her impact as a communications expert, writer, performer, and radio DJ enhancing the voices of global brands;
• Yongjian (Win) Huang (BSc Computer Science 2005), Business and Innovation, China – for building many successful companies, including a social media company that garnered 0.5 million yuan in angel investments.

And shortlisted in the national awards, Jimmy Chenchen Xu (MA Communications Studies 2012) was recognised in the Social Action category in China. Jimmy founded his own education company called ‘PaiAiSen’ in China in 2023, which bridges the educational gaps for young Chinese talent aiming to study abroad.

The University of Leeds is proud of the achievements of all its graduates.

If your work deserves recognition on the world stage, apply to the 2024-25 awards from 1 September 2024.