Student winner

Lily Turnbull, School of Biological Sciences

Final-year Zoology student Lily Turnbull has been on a mission: to tackle period poverty and change the way we talk about menstruation. As the Events and Social Media Manager for the Once a Month (OaM) project, Lily has brought new energy and visibility to this student-led initiative. 

She launched Periodico, a creative newsletter packed with articles, recipes, and even anonymous “confessions” to get people talking. She revamped the OaM website to connect students with resources on mental health and domestic abuse. Lily championed inclusivity through events and collaborations and even hosted the group’s first major public event, featuring speakers from MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) and Women’s Aid. 

Lily also secured over £1,000 worth of sanitary products from a corporate donor, ensuring the group’s sustainability. Her leadership isn’t just making waves on campus, it’s reshaping cultural conversations around menstruation. 

Student 2nd Place

Haojun Shuai, School of Environment, Education and Ddevelopment

Haojun is totally committed to the sustainability agenda through multiple roles. He leads Bee Circular UoM, a student-led initiative aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainability within the University and local community through strategic partnerships and volunteer engagement. He’s a steering group member for ‘In Our Nature’ promoting sustainable food practices through cooking workshops. He’s a food collection volunteer at Manchester South Central Foodbank. If that wasn't enough he’s a coordinator of the RSPB Manchester Youth Group and Tree Musketeers. He’s led urban biodiversity engagement projects. And he also mentors other new student sustainability leaders, helping the movement to grow. 

Student 3rd Place (joint)

Sanya Panda, School of Natural Sciences

As the co-chair of Incredible Edible, Sanya leads a team to create accessible green spaces and grow sustainable food through weekly gardening sessions at Platt Fields Park. This has been supplemented by various cultural events with a sustainability theme such as a no waste pumpkin carving event for Halloween and themed tree scavenger hunts. Sanya is also an advocate for STEM and is a Social ambassador volunteer for the Indian Development foundation, where she played a crucial roles in creating awareness about the Ignite STEM programme, reaching over 500 Educators in India.

Denaya Adelea Rovani Doke, School of Social Sciences

Denaya has been a dedicated volunteer at the zero waste shop Want not Waste for three years and this year took on a committee role, demonstrating leadership in volunteer recruitment, training and stock management, successfully recruiting over 50 volunteers. Her efforts ensure the shop operates smoothly, creating a welcome and efficient experience for both volunteers and customers. her passion for sustainability has driven her to also undertake a range of outreach events such as sustainability seminars and upcycling events to spark important conversations about environmental issues.