From pioneering discoveries to creative innovation and community leadership, our graduates make a lasting impact on society, embodying the University’s values of integrity, ambition and social responsibility. Meet our 2026 winners.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT
This category recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship, helping to protect the planet through innovation, advocacy, research, and action.
PROFESSOR RICHARD THOMPSON OBE
PhD Biological Sciences 1997
Professor Richard Thompson is an internationally recognised marine biologist and leading authority on marine pollution and microplastics. He is Professor of Marine Biology and Director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth, where he leads research addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the world’s oceans.
At the University of Liverpool, Richard completed a PhD in Marine Ecology from 1992 to 1996 through a NERC-funded studentship, based at the Port Erin Marine Laboratory. Alongside his research, he was active in student life as Diving Officer of the University’s Diving Club and a founder member of the Port Erin Environmental Group.
PROFESSOR IAN OWENS
BSc (Hons) Zoology 1988
Professor Ian Owens is the Louis Agassiz Fuertes Executive Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Professor of Ecology and Evolution at Cornell University. A University of Liverpool Zoology graduate, Ian credits his time at Liverpool with sparking his career in evolutionary biology.
Inspired by a seminar on natural selection and animal behaviour, Ian went on to complete a PhD at the University of Leicester, followed by a NERC Fellowship in London and a lectureship at the University of Queensland. He later returned to the UK as Professor at Imperial College London, where he and his students studied evolution in birds for 20 years.
DR MATTHEW LINKIE MBE
BSc (Hons) Zoology 1998
Matthew Linkie is an internationally recognised conservationist with more than 25 years’ experience protecting biodiversity across Asia and South America. He is currently Technical Director for the Andes, Amazon, and Orinoco Regional Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, leading conservation initiatives across some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.
At the University of Liverpool, Matthew studied BSc (Hons) Zoology, drawn to the University’s strong biology department and the opportunity to study in a vibrant city. A final-year Animal Conservation module proved pivotal, inspiring him to pursue postgraduate study at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), where he completed an MSc and PhD in Conservation Biology focused on Sumatran tigers.
HANA SANADI
BA (Hons) Environment and Planning 2024
Hana’s introduction into environmental science began after graduation with a rain-forest research and ecology placement deep in the rain-forest in Borneo, taking her into the rain-forests of Indonesia and the Amazon.
Recently, she served as a Partnerships Officer across multiple UN COP summits around the world, and as Head of her delegation at COP30 in Brazil. She has reported on climate across media and TV broadcasts, including a live broadcast where she spoke at the UN HQ in New York during UNGA. Her advocacy has reached high level stages, government, and diplomatic platforms.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
This category recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to science and engineering, applying expertise and innovation to expand knowledge, advance technology, and benefit society.
DR AINI IDERIS
MSc Veterinary Science 1981
Dr Aini Ideris is a renowned veterinary scientist, academic leader, and pioneer in animal vaccine development in Malaysia. At the University of Liverpool, she completed a Master of Veterinary Science specialising in Avian Medicine, conducting research on turkey Mycoplasma at Leahurst under Professor Janet Bradbury.
Following Liverpool, Aini joined Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), where she developed an outstanding career in research, education, and leadership. After holding numerous senior positions, she became UPM’s eighth and first female Vice-Chancellor, serving from 2016 to 2020. She is currently Pro-Chancellor of International Medical University (IMU).
DR SIMON BARE
BSc (Hons) Chemistry 1979, PhD Physical Chemistry 1982
Dr Simon Bare is a distinguished Scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis. An internationally recognised expert in synchrotron science and catalysis, his career has focused on understanding materials at the atomic level and advancing technologies that contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Simon’s PhD research, under the mentorship of Professor Sir David A King, introduced him to surface science and ultra-high vacuum techniques, as well as to synchrotron research at the Synchrotron Radiation Source at Daresbury Laboratory. Simon played rugby for the University throughout his undergraduate years, an experience that shaped his enduring belief in the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
JESSICA GAGEN
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering 2023
Jessica Gagen is an aerospace engineer, STEM advocate, and former Miss England who is passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She currently works as an International Sales Engineering Specialist at Gulfstream Aerospace, supporting new aircraft sales through technical and performance analysis.
At the University, Jessica studied Aerospace Engineering from 2019 to 2023, navigating her degree through the COVID-19 pandemic while building lasting friendships with her course mates. During her final year, she won the Miss England title, transforming her platform into an opportunity to challenge stereotypes around STEM and encourage young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in science and engineering.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
This category recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to health and wellbeing, demonstrating exceptional commitment to creating healthier, more inclusive, and more equitable societies.
DR NIKOLAOS SOUVLAKIS
MSc Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation 2015
Dr Nikolaos Souvlakis is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist, and Senior Lecturer whose career spans clinical practice, academia, research, leadership, and international collaboration in mental health. He is currently Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster and Vice President of the European Association for Counsellors, contributing to professional standards, training, and collaboration across Europe.
At the University of Liverpool, Nikolaos completed an MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation. The multidisciplinary programme strengthened his understanding of criminal behaviour, forensic assessment, and investigative processes, while developing the critical and analytical skills that have continued to inform his clinical, academic, and research work.
SHANNON FITZPATRICK
MBA 2013
Shannon Fitzpatrick is a healthcare and technology leader whose career spans enterprise technology, behavioural health, disability advocacy, and global healthcare partnerships. She currently works as a Healthcare Partnerships Manager at Microsoft, where she focuses on strategic partnerships within the healthcare technology sector.
At the University of Liverpool, Shannon completed an MBA in International Business. As a Canadian student, she particularly valued the University’s international community, studying alongside peers from across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The experience deepened her understanding of emerging markets, inequality, and the systemic barriers affecting global health and economic opportunity, while connecting her background in social work with a broader perspective on equity.
DR LYNDA FOULDER-HUGHES
PhD Child Health 2001
Dr Lynda Foulder-Hughes is a psychotherapeutic occupational therapist, psychotherapist, and author, and currently serves as Psychotherapy Lead at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and CEO of REMIND Therapy Ltd.
Lynda’s connection with Liverpool spans more than a decade. After qualifying in occupational therapy in 1991, she completed a master’s degree while working full-time before becoming a research assistant and PhD student at the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Child Health, based at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. At a time when it was rare for allied health professionals to undertake doctoral study, she completed her PhD in 2001 and continued postdoctoral work at Liverpool.
DR ARINDAM RAY
MPH 2018
Dr Arindam Ray is a global health professional working at the intersection of policy, evidence, and programme delivery, with a particular focus on immunisation and disease surveillance. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Master’s in Public Health in 2018, undertaken as a distance learner alongside his work in India.
As India Country Lead for Immunisation and Surveillance, Arindam has managed a diverse portfolio of around 90 grants across seven teams, valued at approximately $160 million. He has supported the national rollout of rotavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, COVID-19, and HPV vaccines in India and contributed to the country’s COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance.
CULTURE, CREATIVITY AND SPORT
This category recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to culture, creativity, and sport, shaping society through creative expression, sporting achievement, cultural leadership, and public engagement.
KELLY DAVIES
MBA Football Industries 2007
Kelly Davies is a social entrepreneur, former international footballer, and UK Country Director at Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs. A Football Industries MBA graduate, her career has been shaped by a belief in the power of sport, entrepreneurship, and collective leadership to create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.
Alongside her studies, Kelly played for Liverpool Ladies FC and represented her country internationally, experiences that reinforced her passion for leadership, teamwork, and social impact. Since then, she has built a career focused on helping people realise their potential and driving positive change at both community and systems levels.
CATHERINE BURFORD
BDS 2005
Catherine Burford is a dentist, educator, and polar explorer whose career combines healthcare, humanitarian work, and adventure. She graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery having also developed her passion for the outdoors through the University’s Outdoors Club.
Since graduating, Catherine has combined dentistry with humanitarian and expedition work, contributing to dental and healthcare projects in Nepal, Bolivia, Argentina, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Today, she works across orthodontics, NHS urgent and out-of-hours dental care, and teaches expedition and wilderness dentistry through World Extreme Medicine.
DR JAMES MOFFATT
PhD Music 2024
Dr James Moffatt is a Liverpool-born composer, music editor, researcher, and Lecturer in Composing for Screen at the University of Huddersfield. He completed a UKRI AHRC-funded PhD at the University, exploring how streaming platforms including Netflix and Amazon have reshaped the role of composers and the screen-music industry.
His career spans film, television, academia, and artistled practice. As a composer, James has scored the BAFTA-shortlisted and Student Oscar-nominated We Are Dancers, BFI-winning Virginia, and multiaward-winning documentary House of Cardin, which premiered at Venice Film Festival. He was also selected for the inaugural Composer-Filmmaker Accelerator at Vancouver International Film Festival, performing his music with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION
This category recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to enterprise and innovation, using entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation to deliver meaningful economic and social impact.
LORNA GREEN
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry 1990
Lorna Green studied Biochemistry, where an optional module in human nutrition inspired her to pursue a career in dietetics. She went on to complete a PGDip in Nutrition and Dietetics with Distinction and an MSc in Health Sciences at the University of Leeds, before spending seven years working as a clinical dietitian across hospitals in the Liverpool City Region.
Lorna later moved into the healthcare industry, holding roles in sales, marketing, and business development with Fresenius Kabi while studying for an MBA with the Open University. She subsequently became Marketing Director for several international medical technology companies, leading commercial and strategic initiatives across global markets.
MAGDALENA TYRPIEN
MBA 2017
Magdalena Tyrpien is a biotech entrepreneur and gene therapy business development leader, with more than 15 years’ experience in strategy and commercialisation. She is Co-Founder and CEO of Nionyx Bio, a New Yorkbased biotechnology company developing the first kidney-exclusive AAV gene therapy platform, with programmes targeting Alport syndrome and APOL1 kidney disease.
At the University of Liverpool, Magdalena completed her Master of Business Administration in 2017, studying virtually alongside her career. She particularly valued the flexibility of the programme, which enabled her to apply her learning directly and in real time while continuing to progress professionally.
JAMES BARBER
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science 2024
James Barber is CEO and Co-Founder of Harker, a Liverpool-based technology company using data to help charities work more effectively and support its wider mission of tackling homelessness. James studied Mathematics and Computer Science at the University where the idea for Harker began while he was supporting a homelessness charity alongside his studies. Seeing charities lose valuable time and resources managing inefficient data systems inspired him to develop a better solution.
A huge congratulations to all our winners.
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