Distinguished Alumni Award

Joint 2020 winner Professor Angela Vincent (Westminster Hospital Medical School 1966) has made an outstanding contribution to the field of neuroimmunology through her research. Her work on autoimmune diseases, and the identification of specific auto-antibodies that cause several previously unexplained neurological diseases, is world leading.

Joint 2024 winner Professor David Larbalestier (Metallurgy 1965, PhD 1969) is one of the world leaders in superconducting materials and their translation into magnets. More than 90% of all magnets, including those for MRI scanners and the huge particle accelerators, were made with conductors and optimised according to processes developed by him and his team.

Joint 2020 winner Harris Bokhari (BSc Mathematics 1999) has a simple aim in life: to make the world a fairer and better place. He does this through his charities – the Patchwork Foundation and the Naz Legacy Foundation – as well as his work as an advisor to senior figures in the British government.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Physics 1990, PhD Mechanical Engineering 1993) tells young people interested in the sciences and space to “reach for the stars”. From undiagnosed dyslexia to a rocky early education, nothing has stopped her from becoming a leading space scientist, science communicator and business founder.

Join 2024 winner Professor Monique Frize (MPhil Electrical Engineering 1970) is an engineer, a visionary, and a pioneer. For over five decades, she has pushed the boundaries of the seemingly impossible. She has opened doors for others where they were firmly shut before. Her impact on the world of clinical engineering continues to reverberate around the world today.

After coming to the UK as a child refugee, joint 2022 winner Dr Nik Kotecha (PhD Chemistry 1992) had a dream: to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible worldwide. He's the founder of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and the Randal Charitable Foundation, where he improves life for millions by supporting challenges including poverty, mental health and addiction.

2022 winner Professor Sir Stephen Holgate (Medicine 1971) has won global recognition for his enormous contribution to respiratory research, mainly asthma management. His work has impacted individuals and whole societies including a landmark case where air pollution was named as the cause of an asthma sufferer's death. Despite a long and distinguished career, he's not done yet.

2023 winner Professor Sir Stephen Sparks (Geology 1971, PhD 1974) is a pioneer in volcanology and an inspiration to the next generation. Not only has his extensive research and fieldwork significantly advanced scientific understanding, Stephen has also advised governments globally on volcanic risk and extended his expertise into areas like epidemiology, radioactive waste management and natural resources.

2021 winner Ambassador Yvette Stevens (MSc Electrical Power Systems and Machines 1974) was once a barefoot girl fetching water. Now she's an international role model. Yvette defeated the odds, followed her passion for science and reached the highest professional rank as Director at the UN. Her story inspires anyone who hears it.