Graduates honoured at the 2026 Alumni Awards
The University of Liverpool celebrated the achievements of its global alumni community at its sixth annual Alumni Awards.
In total, 17 graduates were honoured at this year’s ceremony, following more than 300 nominations from across the University community.
For the 2026 celebrations, categories were introduced to recognise the breadth of achievements and contributions being made by graduates across a range of professions, industries and communities, including: Sustainability and Environment; Sciences and Engineering; Health and Wellbeing; Culture, Creativity and Sport; and Enterprise and Innovation.
From pioneering discoveries and creative innovation to entrepreneurship and community leadership, the Awards celebrate the talent, dedication and ambition of University of Liverpool graduates and the difference they are making in society.
2026 Alumni Award winners
Among this year’s recipients is James Barber, 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, who graduated from the University in 2024 with a Maths and Computer Science degree, received an Enterprise and Innovation Award in recognition of his work to use entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation to deliver meaningful economic and social impact.
On receiving this award, James said: “The University of Liverpool played a defining role in my development, not only academically, but also in giving me the relationships, opportunities and confidence to pursue Harker.”
“I see [the award] as recognition of the collective effort behind Harker and of our ambition to use technology to make a meaningful difference in the homelessness sector.”
The ceremony also featured a special musical performance from composer Dr James Moffatt, who received a Culture, Creativity and Sport Alumni Award.
Full biographies of all this year’s winners are available on the Alumni Awards 2026 winners’ page. Including:
- Dentist, educator and polar explorer, Catherine Burford (BDS 2005)
- Internationally recognised expert in synchrotron science and catalysis, Dr Simon Bare (BSc Hons Chemistry 1979, PhD Physical Chemistry 1982)
- Social entrepreneur and former international footballer, Kelly Davies (MBA Football Industries 2007)
- Healthcare and technology leader, Shannon Fitzpatrick (MBA 2013)
- Psychotherapeutic occupational therapist, psychotherapist, and author, Dr Lynda Foulder-Hughes (PhD Child Health 2001)
- Aerospace engineer, STEM advocate, and former Miss England, Jessica Gagen (BEng Hons Aerospace Engineering 2023)
- Healthcare innovation leader, Lorna Green (BSc Hons Biochemistry 1990)
- Renowned veterinary scientist, academic leader, and pioneer in animal vaccine development, Dr Aini Ideris (MSc Veterinary Science 1981)
- Internationally recognised conservationist, Matthew Linkie (BSc Hons Zoology 1998)
- Composer, music editor, researcher and lecturer, Dr James Moffatt (PhD Music 2024)
- Internationally recognised ornithologist, Professor Ian Owens (BSc Hons Zoology 1988)
- Global health professional, Dr Arindam Ray (MPH 2018)
- Environmentalist, Hana Sanadi (BA Hons Environment and Planning 2024)
- Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist, and Senior Lecturer, Dr Nikolaos Souvlakis (MSc Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation 2015)
- Internationally recognised marine biologist and leading authority on marine pollution and microplastics, Professor Richard Thompson (PhD Biological Sciences 1997)
- Biotech entrepreneur and gene therapy business development leader, Magdalena Tyrpien (MBA 2017).
University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones said: “The Alumni Awards showcase just a snapshot of the remarkable achievements and impact of our alumni across their professions and communities.
“As a University, we are immensely proud of our graduates, who are our greatest ambassadors and an inspiration to the next generation. Congratulations to all this year’s winners and those shortlisted on their outstanding achievements and this well-deserved recognition.”
Previous Alumni Award winners, including 2024 winner John Hardman and 2025 winner Hannah O’Neill, also attended the ceremony to collect their awards.
Gallery
Take a look at photographs from the evening.
Nominate an outstanding graduate
Anyone can nominate a University of Liverpool graduate for an Alumni Award, if you know someone who you think deserves to be recognised, keep an eye out for nominations which will open later this year.