Two Warwick alumni have scooped the win at the StudyUK Awards that celebrates UK higher education and achievements of alumni across the world.

The prestigious international awards, hosted by the British Council, had more than 1,450 applications from 100 countries. The selected winners, who all studied at UK universities, were chosen from four categories. Kamila Lukpanova (MA Global Media and Communication, 2013) was awarded the Culture and Creativity Award and Yerkenaz Zholymbayeva (MSc Industrial Process Management, 2015) received the Science and Sustainability Award in a ceremony in Kazakhstan.

It was a strong year for Warwick as Sabrine Issa (MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation, 2019) and Olugbenga Ojo (MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management, 2014) were named as commended finalists in the Business and Innovation category. Panangalage Dona Hemamalie Gunatilaka (PhD in Women and Gender Studies, 2018) and Iresha Atthanayake (PhD in Engineering, 2018) were also shortlisted in ceremonies around the world

The Study UK Alumni Awards provide the opportunity to share your achievements with the world. If you've been inspired, keep checking the British Council webpages for information about the 2025 awards.

Winners:

Culture and Creativity Award  

Kamila Lukpanova (MA in Global Media and Communication, 2013)
Kamilla spearheaded transformative initiatives in Almaty, through proposing a groundbreaking approach to the construction of a new library, advocating for the modernisation of existing libraries (many of which are in deplorable conditions since Soviet times) and as a result started the process of transformation of all libraries in Kazakhstan. Kamilla is now working in a leading role in the creation of the useful spaces in Kazakhstani villages (community centres, modernised libraries) as well as building the first destination marketing organisation in the Republic to promote Almaty city as an in-demand tourist destination. 
 
Science and Sustainability Award   

Yerkenaz Zholymbayeva (MSc in Industrial Process Management, 2015)
Through her "Repaper" project, Yerkenaz introduced a novel method for the de-inking of wasted A4 paper in office environments. She secured an international patent, published a research paper that was recognised as a "creative research project" at European Paper Week in 2015.  She also organised the Summer Science School for children aged 8-14 in rural areas of Kazakhstan and brought together various institutions and colleagues to support, which resulted in a positive impact for around 20 children.
In addition, she made significant strides in uranium mining projects through a number of roles contributing to job creation and increased uranium production. 

  
Finalists: 

Business and Innovation Award (Egypt) 

Sabrine Issa (MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation, 2019)
Sabrine created, Untap, a competition management platform enabling organisations to quickly and efficiently plan, launch, manage, and startup competitions, student programs, grants, and scholarships. Its success has seen 80 organisations powering over 240 programs that serve over 200,000 participants from over 160+ countries.  
 

Business and Innovation Award  (Nigeria) 

Olugbenga Ojo (MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management, 2014)
Olubenga established Warehöuzit, a digital warehouse ecosystem leading to a paradigm shift in how individuals and businesses source their warehouse spaces. It contributed to the increase in employment opportunities and empowered businesses to become more agile in their operations. 

  
Shortlisted: 

Social Action Award (Sri Lanka)

Panangalage Dona Hemamalie Gunatilaka (PhD in Women and Gender Studies, 2018) has led groundbreaking research on "Inequalities at Work". She also played a pivotal role in promoting gender equity, combatting issues in state universities in Sri Lanka.
 
Science and Sustainability Award (Sri Lanka)

Iresha Atthanayake (PhD in Engineering, 2018) has advanced education in the field of energy in Sri Lanka through the launch of the Master of Energy Management Programme at the Open University.