Science and Sustainability Award

Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in science and sustainability, demonstrating the impact and scale of their work within their profession and beyond. These finalists represent seven regions worldwide, showcasing the breadth of UK alumni advancing scientific innovation and sustainable solutions.

Alejandra Kopaitic, Chile, Americas

University of Manchester; Chevening scholar

Alejandra is a sustainability leader turning academic insight into real-world impact. As Executive Director of the Chilean Plastics Pact at Fundación Chile, she works with governments, businesses and communities across the value chain, representing around a quarter of Chile’s plastics market. The global perspective gained through her studies has enabled her to contribute to national policy, lead campaigns reaching over 15 million people, and collaborate internationally. Alongside this work, she teaches circular economy, inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders.

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Dr Claudia Mary Donkor, Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd); Commonwealth scholar

Dr Donkor is a physician and sexual and reproductive health specialist with over 19 years’ experience in medicine and advancing the health and rights of women and girls. She has led large‑scale humanitarian responses in Somalia and Syria, coordinating multi‑million‑dollar programmes that delivered life‑saving services to millions. Her leadership has strengthened national health systems, expanded emergency preparedness, trained hundreds of health professionals, and restored dignity through direct clinical care. She has also advanced global health equity through medical publishing and community‑level advocacy.

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Dr Gulbeena Saleem, Pakistan, South Asia

University of Glasgow, Royal Veterinary College

Dr Saleem is an internationally recognised veterinary scientist and educator whose work demonstrates how research training can deliver real‑world impact. She has secured major national and international funding to develop sustainable antibiotic alternatives now adopted by commercial poultry farms, strengthening food security in Pakistan. Alongside this research, she has transformed veterinary education through inquiry‑based teaching, supervised and mentored a wide range of students and professionals, and continues to inspire future scientists.

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Kirana Agustina, Indonesia, East Asia

University College London, Chevening scholar

Kirana is a marine policy leader driving large-scale action on ocean protection and plastic pollution. She helped establish Indonesia's National Plastic Action Partnership, growing it into a coalition of 150 organisations and driving the stakeholder engagement behind a nationally adopted roadmap. Ahead of Indonesia's G20 presidency, she mobilised major funding and institutional commitments impacting millions of people, later contributing to regional efforts through the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network. Today, she leads Perempuan Laut Indonesia, empowering women in ocean leadership.

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Marco Youssef William Zaki, Egypt, Middle East and North Africa

Newcastle University

Marco is a medical scientist using research to expand health equity and scientific opportunity in Upper Egypt and across Africa. His internationally influential liver disease research has shaped diagnostic and therapeutic approaches worldwide. After advanced research training in the UK, he returned home to found the NILE CAN laboratory and the Centre for Research and Sustainability, creating access to cancer screening, hands‑on research training and employability programmes for underserved communities.

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Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Gunduz, Türkiye, Wider Europe

University College London

Prof. Dr Gunduz is a scientist leading sustainable innovation in materials science and biomedical research. He founded the Center for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials at Marmara University, which now supports over 500 researchers and students each year. His work has driven the development of plant-based biomaterials, reduced reliance on animal-derived materials, and lowered environmental impact. His long-standing commitment to mentoring has also helped shape a new generation of researchers working across Europe, the UK and the US.

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Dr Selena Milanovic, Italy, Europe

University of Oxford

Dr Milanovic is a scientist and global health leader that used artificial intelligence (AI) to advance ethical, life‑saving medicine. She developed a comprehensive digital model of the human brain to support early detection of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease without animal testing, a breakthrough recognised by the UK Parliament’s STEM for Britain Award. Her work has influenced European biomedical policy, informed public decision‑making during COVID‑19, and earned her two Forbes Under 30 awards.

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