Student winner

Drew Gallagher, School of Biological Sciences

During her one year exchange at the University of Osaka in Japan, Drew demonstrated exceptional leadership by helping to establish a brand-new community event – Hattori Ryokuchi parkrun.  Drew worked with park authorities, built local support, recruited volunteers and promoted the event eventually taking on the role of Event Director and creating a project that is still very much active. 

Drew’s impact can be measured not only in attendance numbers but in community cohesion. Hattori Ryokuchi parkrun now provides a free, weekly space where people of different ages and backgrounds meet, exercise, and volunteer together. Several regular participants describe it as their “reason to get out of the house” on a Saturday morning. Friendships have formed, confidence has grown, and new volunteers continue to come forward — all made possible because Drew created the space for this to happen. 

Student 2nd Place

Holly Sedgwick, School of Biological Sciences

Holly has built a consistent, multi-year portfolio of outreach across museums, galleries and public venues making complex immunology accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, with contributions to initiatives including British Science Week at the Manchester Museum.  She excels at translating intricate scientific concepts into interactive, age-appropriate experiences for school pupils, families and older adults. 

Student 3rd Place (joint)

Kavish Chawla, School of Engineering

Using his technical skills Kavish designed and developed a custom Enterprise Resource Planning system specifically tailored to non-profits to support the management of programmes, volunteers and resources more effectively.  He initially deployed this with the Helping Hands Club of India where he was an active volunteer, later rolling it out to another organisation.

Mainur Kazi, School of Medical Sciences

Mainur has volunteered with the Maternal Aid Association both in Bangladesh by supporting health camps and service users, and in the UK with continued social media content creation support. Through the organisation she also supports older women learn new skills such as healthy eating and basic life support and with social activities to build confidence and support integration.