- University of Sheffield doctoral graduate Dr Amber Keegan has been awarded the University's highest student honour, the Chancellor's Medal, in recognition of her contribution to athlete welfare, research and elite sport
- Amber's advocacy work contributed to safeguarding reforms in British swimming, including a ban on the routine weighing of athletes under the age of 18
- Alongside her campaigning, Amber completed a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering and represented Great Britain in international marathon swimming
- The Chancellor's Medal has recognised exceptional University of Sheffield students and graduates since 1985
A tireless campaigner whose work helped improve safeguarding standards across British swimming has been awarded the Chancellor's Medal—one of the highest honours bestowed by the University of Sheffield.
Dr Amber Keegan, who recently completed her PhD in the University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, received the award following her outstanding achievements in research, elite sport and athlete advocacy.
Drawing on her own experiences as a competitive swimmer, including recovery from an eating disorder, Amber has worked to improve safeguarding practices and raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by athletes. Her advocacy contributed to reforms in British swimming, including the introduction of a ban on the routine weighing of athletes under the age of 18.
To help address gaps in support for athletes, Amber co-founded Athlete Interactions, a peer-support charity that helps sportspeople experiencing challenges relating to body image, bullying and mental health. The organisation is part of an initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Worldwide Olympic Partner P&G, helping it expand its support programmes and reach more people in elite sport.
"Sport has given me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it has also exposed me to challenges that many athletes still face today.
"When I was struggling, I often felt isolated and unsure where to turn for support. That experience stayed with me and motivated me to help create the kind of environment I wish had existed for me and for others going through similar challenges.
"Whether through Athlete Interactions, mentoring, advocacy or research, I've always wanted to use my experiences to help make sport safer, more supportive and more accessible for the next generation."
Dr Amber Keegan
University of Sheffield graduate and recipient of the Chancellor's Medal
Alongside her advocacy work, Amber completed a PhD focused on green synthesis methods for sustainable materials. During her studies she overcame significant challenges, including laboratory closures due to health and safety restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic and redesigning elements of her research programme to successfully complete her doctorate.
She also completed a placement with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), helping to translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant briefings and further developing her science communication and policy skills.
While undertaking her research, Amber continued to compete at the highest levels of sport. A British swimming champion who previously ranked among the world's top 10 swimmers in the pool, she later represented Great Britain internationally in marathon swimming and, in 2024, worked as a swimming commentator for Eurosport during the Paris Olympic Games.
Amber's achievements across research, elite sport and athlete welfare are exceptional. Through determination, leadership and a commitment to helping others, she has made a positive impact both within and beyond her field. Amber is the most resilient student that I have ever supervised. Despite facing some extremely challenging situations she has continued with the same intent, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Chancellor's Medal.
Professor Siddharth Patwardhan
Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield and Amber's doctoral supervisor
Amber's commitment to creating positive change also extends to environmental and community initiatives. She completed a swim of the English Channel to raise funds for Surfers Against Sewage and regularly supports outreach, mentoring and public engagement activities with schools, sports organisations and community groups.
Established in 1985 by the University's sixth Chancellor, Lord Dainton, the Chancellor's Medal is awarded annually to a final-year student or recent graduate in recognition of outstanding academic, sporting or personal achievement.
Amber’s advocacy exemplifies the University’s commitment to independent thinkers advancing shared goals - using her real-world insights to develop practical support for athletes in elite sport.
The School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield is home to world-leading teaching and research, bringing together expertise across engineering, materials science and biotechnology to tackle global challenges. Find out more about studying with us.
