Sheffield's Study UK Award Winners

Meet the previous winners of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards

Previous winners

A woman with text about the Study UK awards

Emily Rickman

Science and Sustainability Award (Global Winner)

After studying Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield, where a second-year module on exoplanets sparked a lifelong passion for space science, Emily has gone on to build an internationally recognised career in astrophysics. 

Now a Science Operations Scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, she plays a key role in the mission management of the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest space telescope ever launched.

A woman with text about the Study UK awards

Reham Fakieh

Social Action Award winner

After completing her postgraduate studies at the University of Sheffield, Reham has gone on to build an influential career in economic policy and public finance. 

She now plays a key role at Saudi Arabia's National Development Fund, applying the research, analytical and leadership skills she developed during her studies to shape national economic policy and drive inclusive growth.

Dr Qamar Naith smiling in a headscarf, beside her name in British Council Study UK Awards branding

Dr Qamar Naith

Social Action Saudi Arabia winner

Qamar earned her PhD in Computer Science from Sheffield in 2021. While studying here, she created three pioneering medical devices after overcoming her own battle with heart disease: one for early detection of strokes, one for tracking post-operational changes, and one detecting issues during pregnancy.

Sheffield helped shape her resilience, collaborative skills, and drive to turn challenges into opportunities for the greater good. Now an assistant professor at the University of Jeddah, she's transforming lives through devices like the coronary artery disease monitor - with many more innovations to come.

A woman with text about the Study UK awards

Marie-Christinne Bernadette Clarisse

Culture and Creativity Award winner

Inspired by a passion for music and lifelong learning, Marie has dedicated their career to advancing music education in Mauritius. 

Through teaching, performance and leadership, they have helped nurture emerging musical talent while advocating for greater recognition of music as an academic and professional discipline.

Sheffield alumnus, Dr Leonardo Bastos's promo for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024.

Dr Leonardo Bastos

Science and Sustainability Brazil winner

Leonardo earned his PhD in Probability and Statistics from Sheffield in 2010.

As a senior researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, he’s dedicated to the development and application of statistical models for the epidemiology of infectious diseases.

His work focuses on anticipating cases that have occurred but have not yet been reported in early warning systems, assisting real-time analysis, particularly for cases of dengue and COVID-19.

Dr Abid Malik with his Study UK Alumni award

Dr Abid Malik

Science and Sustainability Pakistan winner

Abid earned his PhD in Medicine from Sheffield in 2010. A renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Abid has contributed to mental health leadership in 22 EMRO countries.

As a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry, he paved the way for impactful global interventions and advocacy for mental health policies, like WHO's Thinking Healthy Program for perinatal depression.

His journey showcases dedication to addressing global mental health challenges through clinical practice, research, and leadership.

Le Kim Phung smiling in glasses and a white blouse, beside her name in British Council Study UK Award branding

Dr Le Kim Phung

Science and Sustainability Vietnam winner

Dr Phung earned her PhD in Chemical Process Engineering from Sheffield in 2008. She is now based at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), where she is Director of the Refinery and Petrochemicals Technology Research Center, as well as leader of the Sustainable Process Engineering Group. Her research focuses on science and technology engineering and applications for sustainable development in the water-food-energy process system.

As an associate professor, she has won research grants from the USA, Japan and Asia for work in emerging fields like renewable energy, biomass, biorefinery, and biorecovery. She also received the Best Innovation prize at the 2022 Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Awards.

profile headshot of Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim, smiling in a business suit against the backdrop of an indoor brick wall

Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim

Entrepreneurial Award winner

Kim earned her LLB Law degree from Sheffield, graduating in 2006. Now based in Kuala Lumpur, she is a barrister and renewable energy entrepreneur, running a business converting biomass residues into carbon-neutral renewable energy.

Her work with Builders Biomass venture earned her the Study UK Entrepreneurial Award in 2017, recognising her contribution to the Malaysian biomass industry and the region's push for improved environmental sustainability.

Referring to studying at 51ݶ as “a life-changing experience”, Kim notes that her UK education enabled her both to preserve and explore her own traditional heritage, while also embracing new innovations and experiences.

A woman with text about the Study UK awards

Irina Mkrtchyan

Science and Sustainability Award winner

After completing a Master's degree at the University of Sheffield, Irina has become one of Armenia's leading sustainability advocates. 

As co-founder of Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities (ISSD), she has led projects that have engaged more than 400,000 people in recycling and circular economy initiatives while securing over USD $850,000 in grant funding to drive environmental change.