The awards celebrated the achievements of our students and alumni, and their contribution to the city, region and further afield.
The University and Students’ Union celebrated the achievements of our students and alumni at the 2025 Student Impact Awards, an event hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith.
These awards, organised in partnership by the University and Students' Union, recognise and celebrate the positive impact our students have had, in the last year, on community projects and with external organisations.
Held in the city, at the Royal Maritime Hotel, fourteen awards were presented in total to students and alumni, culminating in a special ‘Vice Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award’. This award was made to a team of students in the University’s Faculty of Cultural and Creative Industries, in recognition of their partnership with Portsmouth’s Mary Rose Museum. Through their project ‘Anchored in the Community’ these students are helping bring Tudor history back to life, as well as extending the reach of the museum into classrooms and communities around the region.
While the Vice Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award is really special, the awards together recognise students for a wide range of activities, carried out often on top of their studies. These include volunteering, fundraising, starting new businesses – or contributing to businesses or organisations as a placement student, graduate employee or through a project. The awards recognise students and alumni for local, national or international activities, and all of these will help our students develop the skills and attributes encouraged by the University, and sought by graduate recruiters.
In assessing each award, the team of judges looked for evidence of how each shortlisted student has had a positive impact outside of the University while studying. The judging panel comprised the Chief Executives of Portsmouth Football Club and Portsmouth City Council, as well as the Welfare Officer in the Students’ Union, and the University’s Director of Student Racial Equality. It was chaired by Professor Anne Murphy, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education).
Professor Murphy said: “Our students continue to inspire us with the incredible ways they give back, whether through volunteering, community projects, or leading positive change. The Student Impact Awards are a chance to recognise those efforts and to highlight the powerful role our students play in shaping a more connected, compassionate, and resilient society. Through these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to civic engagement and to building strong partnerships that enrich both our University and the wider community.”
Each category had a winner – in some categories two winners were awarded – and each of these received a commemorative trophy and certificate. Every shortlisted student also received a digital certificate and a badge award.
The winners
1. Volunteering Impact Award – Poppy Crown
Honouring students who create meaningful change through volunteer work
Poppy has greatly impacted HMP Winchester’s “Time to Connect” sessions, creating engaging quizzes and fostering positive connections between prisoners, staff, and agencies. Her work has improved mental well-being and led to the model’s expansion across other prisons, earning praise for her compassion and problem-solving skills.
2. Arts and Culture Impact Award – CCI "Anchored in the Community"
Recognising a student or group whose creative work has enriched our local cultural landscape
University of Portsmouth students from multiple courses collaborated on the Mary Rose Museum project, recording and editing interactive historical content. Their work made history accessible to local schools and communities, showcasing creativity and teamwork while enhancing their media skills and professional development.
3. Placement Impact Award – Alyshia Bridle
Honouring students who have shown outstanding dedication, initiative, and impact during a work placement or internship
Alysha's work at the Port of Dover has been transformative, leading data analysis improvements through a Power BI dashboard that compares environmental surveys dating back to 1991. Her initiative, including discovering a protected seahorse and proposing alternative survey methods, exemplifies her proactive approach and dedication to environmental research.
4. Rising Star Impact Award – Amber Harris
Celebrating new graduates who’ve made a strong, positive impact in their first year of employment
Amber, a Graduate Data Scientist at IBM, has excelled in delivering innovative generative AI solutions, rapidly mastering complex skills. Her proactive attitude, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit make her a valuable team member. Amber’s contributions, especially in AWS and PoCs, highlight her as a rising star in data science.
4. Rising Star Impact Award – Bethany Cook
Celebrating new graduates who’ve made a strong, positive impact in their first year of employment
Bethany, a Graduate Social Media Content Creator, has revitalised the University’s social media presence, with her TikTok content reaching hundreds of thousands. Her creative initiatives, like the Portsmouth City Guide and engaging CPR videos, have significantly boosted outreach, especially to prospective students, demonstrating her remarkable impact in a short time.
5. Degree Apprenticeship Impact Award – Fletcher Davis
Recognising apprentices who’ve made a meaningful contribution to their organisation over the past year
Fletcher, a Degree Apprentice, has driven commercial success, improving project margins from 15% to 47%. His strategic thinking led to rapid promotion and management of high-value projects. Fletcher’s leadership in continuous professional development and operational improvements makes him a valuable asset to the company.
5. Degree Apprenticeship Impact Award – Mollie-Mae Ives
Recognising apprentices who’ve made a meaningful contribution to their organisation over the past year
Mollie-Mae, a Degree Apprentice in Chartered Management, significantly impacted Park Community School through her management of a holiday programme serving over 1000 attendees. She integrated academic learning into workplace improvements, developed a website for bookings, and mentored students, showcasing leadership and dedication to both work and education.
6. Sustainability Impact Award – Tommy Neil
Honouring individuals or groups making a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability, locally and beyond
Tommy has led decarbonisation projects at Portsmouth City Council, improving energy efficiency and sustainability for local housing. From retrofitting homes to designing waste systems for 1,500 households, his work advances sustainability, benefitting thousands while helping Portsmouth meet its carbon neutrality and climate change goals.
7. Health and Wellbeing Impact Award – James Lindsay
Celebrating those who have significantly advanced physical or mental health and wellness in our community
James Lindsay, a mental health advocate, has turned personal challenges with schizoaffective disorder into a powerful tool for change. His book, Befriending My Brain, and active involvement in podcasts, marathons, and mental health organisations have inspired countless individuals to break the stigma surrounding mental health and embrace open conversations.
8. Global Impact Award – Haris Chaudhry
Recognising individuals or groups who have enriched their student experience through international engagement and represented the University of Portsmouth abroad
Haris has actively promoted global engagement through his leadership in organising mobility events, mentoring peers, and sharing his international experiences. As President of the Psychology Society, he fostered an inclusive community for exchange students, inspiring others to embrace global opportunities. Haris exemplifies the Global Impact Award’s values.
9. Student Achievement Impact Award - Saagarika Sharma
Nominees may have made outstanding contributions to academia, community service, leadership, innovation, or other areas
Saagarika, a PhD candidate, excels in cardiovascular studies, dental science, and pharmaceuticals. She teaches independent practices and contributes to CQC requirements. Despite being an international student, she balances academic, teaching, and personal roles while inspiring peers with her kindness and dedication.
10. Diversity Impact Award – Eman Khalid Mahmood
Celebrating individuals or organisations that have advanced equality, inclusivity, and diversity in Portsmouth
Eman has championed diversity through her work as an educator and journalist. She creates inclusive curricula for students with learning disabilities, advocates for gender equality, and uses media to amplify marginalised voices. Her dedication to empowerment, representation, and social justice makes her a transformative force in education and advocacy.
10. Diversity Impact Award – Tithi Rathindra Modak
Celebrating individuals or organisations that have advanced equality, inclusivity, and diversity in Portsmouth
Tithi advocates for diversity and inclusion as a PGM Ambassador, organising events and providing support for underrepresented students. She works on curriculum diversification and mental health initiatives, ensuring that marginalised voices are heard. Through her work with the EDI team and NGOs, she creates real, lasting change in her community.
11. Research Impact Award – Tracy Jones
Recognising outstanding student or graduate research that makes, or promises to make, a meaningful societal contribution
Tracy, an NHS Consultant Clinical Scientist, blends clinical practice with PhD research on improving CPAP adherence for obstructive sleep apnoea. Her pioneering use of telemedicine to support treatment has already led to significant clinical improvements, offering ground breaking solutions for sleep-related health challenges on an international scale.
12. Entrepreneurial Impact Award - Megan Jacobs
Celebrates university students and alumni who have launched successful businesses in the past five years
Megan Jacobs, founder of Wight Coast Fossils, educates the public about geology and palaeontology through guided tours on the Isle of Wight. Her business supports environmental and mental health initiatives while her upcoming field guide makes science accessible to all. Megan’s outreach and innovation are truly inspiring.
13. Alumni Impact Award – Chris Webb
Celebrating alumni who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, or service in their field
Chris Webb has revolutionized accessibility in education with his creation, Zip Captions—an open-source tool providing real-time captioning and transcription. His commitment to inclusivity extends globally, aiding over 1,500 users. Chris’s innovative work embodies the University of Portsmouth's values, making education accessible for all.
14. Vice Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award – CCI "Anchored in the Community"
The winner of this award is chosen by the panel from the other 13 categories, as a leading example of a person or group who made a significant positive difference in the community
University of Portsmouth students from multiple courses collaborated on the Mary Rose Museum project, recording and editing interactive historical content. Their work made history accessible to local schools and communities, showcasing creativity and teamwork while enhancing their media skills and professional development.