British Council Study UK
Alumni Awards 2024-25

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

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

Could you be the next winner from Leeds?

Prepare to share your achievements and gain recognition on the world stage in the 2025-26 Study UK Alumni Awards - applications are open from 1 September until 16 October 2025.

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

Meet this year’s inspirational winners and finalists from the University of Leeds and discover the impact they are having around the world.

Ghanashyam Khadka

Global finalist
Culture and Creativity
Nepal

Ghanashyam Khadka (International and European Human Rights law, 2017) is a notable journalist, author, and human rights advocate. He has been recognised as a champion in training for journalists on human rights issues.

In his role as a journalist, Ghanashyam utilises his legal expertise to analyse national and international legal matters. As a writer, he has authored several works, including the novel Nirvana, which reflects his deep commitment to social issues in Nepal.

Bunthorn Sok

Global finalist
Social Action
Cambodia

Bunthorn Sok (MML International Trade Law 2020) is awarded for the impact of his legal research to ensure Cambodia complies with World Trade Organisation regulations. He also plays a key role in diplomatic relations for the country by providing economic and commercial diplomacy training for Cambodia’s newly appointed diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Khine Pwint Nwe

Winner
Science & Sustainability
Myanmar

Khine Pwint Nwe (MSc Health Informatics 2019) was recognised for her work to improve healthcare systems and education in low and middle-income countries in remote areas.

Working across projects in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Khine has helped provide better access and resources for healthcare workers, and she launched a digital healthcare platform designed to provide continuous medical education. Her research and innovation has helped to drive meaningful change for healthcare professionals. 

Costantia Manoli

Finalist
Culture & Creativity
Cyprus

Costantia Manoli (English Language and Literature 2001) was recognised for her work amplifying stories for unheard children and young readers.

Being an advocate for cultural heritage and education through literature, she creates vital connections and has had a powerful impact in both her community and in the world beyond.

Dr Mohammed Arab

Finalist
Science and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia 

Dr Mohammed Arab (PhD Medical Biochemistry 2024) was recognised for his work to advance research in early cancer detection and diagnosis.

Through his commitment to enhancing collaboration, he has helped improve access to medical treatments, and initiated a chain reaction of positive change for the future.

Somya Mehta

Finalist
Culture & Creativity
United Arab Emirates 

Somya Mehta (BA Communications and Media Studies 2019) was awarded for her work amplifying the stories of unheard women.

She has secured exclusive interviews with globally renowned figures and change makers while also reporting stories of social entrepreneurship, climate warriors, expats changing lives, and young Arab women making strides in unconventional fields.

Michail Marinakis

Finalist
Social Action
Greece

Michail Marinakis  (Business Management with Marketing (Industrial) 2024) is recognised for his work organising one of the world's largest youth robotics competitions.

The ‘2024 FIRST Global Challenge’ took place in Athens, Greece, and brought together over 3,000 students from 193 countries to collaborate on solving global challenges through robotics and technology.  The environment allowed for international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding, with students working together to solve real-world problems with real global impact.

Dr Samar Al-Mutawakel

Finalist
Social Action
Egypt

Dr Samar Al-Mutawakel (International Public Health 2018) was recognised as a highly accomplished global health leader and an internationally recognised expert in humanitarian response at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Samar is dedicated to developing and leading global emergency health responders, often amidst complex political instability, while ensuring medical care is available to those affected by natural disasters, war, and pandemics.

She is a passionate advocate for vulnerable communities, with a proven track record of strengthening emergency management and response capacities and responding to crises in the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa.