Meet the Sheffield alumni finalists and winners of the Study UK Alumni Awards

This year’s Study UK Alumni Awards recognised and celebrated nine Sheffield alumni for their exceptional contributions to their communities, professions, and countries. Whether in science, business, or culture, these graduates are leaving their mark.

Dr Leonardo Bastos accepting his Study UK Alumni award
Dr Leonardo Bastos, Sheffield alumnus, accepting his Study UK Alumni award

Study UK Alumni Awards

The Study UK Alumni Awards is a prestigious and highly competitive annual event organised by the British Council. It highlights the value of UK higher education while celebrating the outstanding achievements of international alumni. Graduates have the opportunity to apply in one of four featured categories: Science and Sustainability, Culture and Creativity, Social Action, and Business and Innovation. Furthermore, the awards are held at a country and global level, with the global level requiring success at a country level first. 

With its diverse categories and global impact, the Study UK Alumni Awards attract top alumni from across the globe, presenting the judging panel with a challenging task. Applicants are judged on five criteria: impact, UK influence, media traction, potential to influence and inspire, and quality of application. Winners and finalists receive valuable opportunities to raise their profiles, expand their networks with top professionals, share their success on an international level, develop skills, and be celebrated by their peers and institutions.

Given the high level of competition and the calibre of professionals involved, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Sheffield winners and finalists for this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations!

Dr Abid Malik with his Study UK Alumni award
Dr. Abid Malik, Sheffield alumnus, with his award at the Study UK Alumni Awards ceremony.

Winners 

Dr Emily Rickman - Science and Sustainability Award (United States and Global Finalist) 

Dr Leonardo Bastos - Science and Sustainability Award (Brazil)

Dr Phung Le - Science and Sustainability Award (Vietnam)

Dr Abid Malik - Science and Sustainability Award (Pakistan)

Finalists

Yu Bai - Social Action Award (China)

Dr Mininim Oseji - Science and Sustainability Award (Nigeria)

Dr Dante Salvador - Science and Sustainability Award (Philippines) 

Dr Dan Armooh - Business and Innovation Award (Ghana)

Dr Eleni Pashia - Culture and Creativity Award (Cyprus)

Learn more about the Study UK Alumni Awards

Our finalists and winners

Sheffield has made a mark on many, this year’s Study UK winners and finalists are no exception. 


In Sheffield I have learned how to be a researcher. I developed and improved my statistical skills on different real life problems. Doing the PhD in Statistics in Sheffield was really life-changing for my career and, by extension, my life.”

Dr Leonardo Bastos

PhD Probability and Statistics 2010
Public Health Researcher at Oswaldo Cruz Foundation


The unwavering support I had from the physics and astronomy department throughout the duration of my degree was so important. The teaching was excellent, but even more importantly I was given the opportunity to be involved with research, and that gave me the necessary skills and confidence required to then go on to pursue my PhD and continue as an academic.”

Dr Emily Rickman

MPhys Physics and Astrophysics 2016
Astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute / European Space Agency


Dr Emily Rickman with her Study UK Alumni award
Dr Emily Rickman, Sheffield alumna, with her Study UK Alumni award.

Making the decision to apply for such a career-boosting award can be daunting and requires boldness. However, driven by the profound impact that their UK higher education has had on their careers (and lives!), they were compelled to share their experiences with others.


I thought it was a great opportunity to showcase my contributions to the field of Private health insurance in Ghana. I felt really humbled when I was eventually announced the winner of the Business and Innovation award, especially as I compared my own career journey to that of the other nominees, who had also accomplished so much in their fields. In all, I thank the University of Sheffield for offering me an opportunity to study and to acquire some life changing skills that have helped me in my career."

Dr Dan Vincent Armooh

MPH Public Health 2014
Managing Director at Acacia Health Insurance


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

MPH Public Health 2010
Permanent Secretary at Delta State Ministry of Environment in Asaba, Nigeria


I think my story could inspire prospective students, especially knowing how my UK education has shaped the trajectory of my career. Whilst I have been promoting UK education through my own networks, and assisted and mentored a few applicants to the same programme, making my story known through a wider network could potentially inspire much more.”

Dr Dante Jr Salvador

MPH European Public Health 2017
Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Department of Public Health and European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine, University of Basel


All graduates make Sheffield proud. Here at the department of Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR), we're excited to hear more about the achievements and success of our alumni. Congratulations once again!

Keep an eye out for details in the coming months on how you can apply for next year's awards.