British Council Study UK Alumni Awards
Your chance to showcase your achievements as a global change-maker.
Could you be Sheffield's next winner?
Be inspired to apply!
Meet Dr Emily Rickman, Sheffield’s 2024 Global Winner, and hear how the Study UK awards have boosted her profile.See below to discover more Sheffield winners and finalists from across the globe.
What are the Study UK Alumni Awards all about?
The global impact of UK education
The prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards, organised by the British Council, celebrate inspirational individuals who studied in the UK - and who are now making incredible contributions elsewhere around the world through their work.
International Sheffield graduates like you can enter, and help highlight the value of a UK education on a global stage.
Study UK Alumni Awards - the details
The Study UK Alumni Awards are split into four categories. You'll choose the one that best fits your career achievements from the following list:
- Science and Sustainability
- Culture, Creativity and Sport
- Social Action
- Business and Innovation
When you apply, your work will be judged on five key criteria:
- Impact
- UK influence
- Media traction
- Potential to influence and inspire
- Overall quality of your application
You can find out more on the , or to help make your application truly shine, .
How and why to apply
Share your success and raise your global profile
Apply now to share the impact of your work and gain global recognition in the 2025/26 Study UK Alumni Awards.
Keep your eyes peeled for the applications opening in September 2026!
This is your chance to raise your profile, build your worldwide networks, and win a trip to the UK so that we can celebrate your successes with you.
I applied because I wanted to share the wonderful impact studying in the UK has made on my career, and let others know how to maximise the benefits of such an education.
Dr Mininim Oseji
Nigeria finalist
Want support with your application?
Join the to receive application tips, guidance and reminders.
If you'd like personalised feedback on your application, our team is here to help. Please email the Campaigns and Alumni Relations team to request a review of your application: alumni@sheffield.ac.uk
Current winners
Dr Alexandros Stamatiadis
Business and Innovation Award winner
After studying statistics at the University of Piraeus, Alex joined the University of Sheffield in 2016, completing a PhD in music cognition that combined statistical modelling and computer science to explore why melodies resonate with listeners.
Alex's research is being transformed into real-world innovations, including algorithms used in projects supporting premature babies’ cognitive development and Dreeemwave Bassliner, an award-winning music production plugin used by artists and producers worldwide.
Dr Murtaza Najabat Ali
Business and Innovation Award winner
After studying his PhD in Materials Sciences, Murtaza returned to Pakistan with a vision to transform healthcare through locally developed medical technology.
Today, he is the founder of a medical device company that designs, manufactures and supports innovations in cardiovascular healthcare, creating opportunities for researchers and improving access to affordable, high-quality devices for patients in Pakistan and beyond.
Ms Khadija Elbedweihy
Business and Innovation Award winner
Khadija completed a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Sheffield where her research shaped her passion for using technology to improve education.
She is the founder of PraxiLabs, a virtual laboratory platform that has expanded access to science education for millions of students worldwide through immersive, affordable and accessible digital learning experiences.
Mr Juan Ocampo
Science and Sustainability Award winner
During their Master of Public Health at the University of Sheffield, Juan gained a new perspective on how data and research can drive meaningful change in public health.
Juan is a Research Engineer at Institut Pasteur, leading international research projects that help protect communities, shape health policy and address emerging global health challenges.
Dr Bashir Mohammed
Science and Sustainability Award winner
During their MSc in Control Systems Engineering at the University of Sheffield, Bashir worked on advanced optimisation algorithms for Rolls-Royce gas-turbine engines, laying the foundations for a career in artificial intelligence and sustainable technology.
Bashir is a Senior Lead Generative AI Solutions Architect – Agentic AI at Amazon Web Services, helping organisations harness advanced AI solutions to build smarter, more sustainable and efficient systems.
My UK education was the launchpad for everything I have achieved in AI and sustainability. Every success I have achieved in the United States and beyond is rooted in the training, values, and vision I gained in the United Kingdom.
Bashir
Science and Sustainability Award winner