Meet the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 Finalists in the USA
The British Council is proud to announce the 12 U.S. finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026. Finalists will be honoured at a private ceremony in Los Angeles, California marking a celebration of international education and its lasting impact.
Each finalist, in their own way, demonstrates professional excellence and has transformed their UK university experience into a catalyst for meaningful change. From groundbreaking community initiatives to industry-leading innovations, these individuals embody the enduring bond between UK excellence and U.S. leadership.
Get to know the journeys of our U.S. finalists on Instagram or Facebook, and discover firsthand how a UK education serves as a powerful catalyst for global career success.
Business and Innovation Award 2026 Finalists in the USA
This category celebrates alumni who are not just participating in their industries but actively disrupting them with innovative ideas and scalable business models. From tech start-ups to financial leadership, finalists demonstrate the power of a UK-educated mind to drive growth and create global opportunities.
This year finalists for the Business and Innovation Award are:
- Rishika Satyarthi, graduate of the University of London, City St. George’s
- Yuk Chi Chan, graduate of the University of Durham and University College of London (UCL)
- Isabel Easley, graduate of the University of Manchester
We celebrate these individuals for their commitment to fostering innovation and identifying new avenues for sustainable growth.
Culture, Creativity and Sport Award 2026 Finalists in the USA
This category shines a spotlight on the changemakers defining the future of arts, media, and athletics. These individuals have leveraged their UK education to push the boundaries of artistic expression and professional achievement. Whether through traditional media, music, or pioneering sports leadership, our finalists demonstrate how creativity drives both cultural influence and personal success.
This year finalists for the Culture, Creativity and Sport Award are:
- Aslıgül Armağan, graduate of the University of Durham and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Crystal Clarke, graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Ivanka Hamilton, graduate of the University of the Arts, London
We celebrate their creative brilliance and the significant impact they have made across disciplines.
Science and Sustainability Award 2026 Finalists in the USA
This category honours alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and professional achievements in fields such as climate action, clean energy, and medicine. From pioneering sustainable urban development to advancements in engineering and construction, these finalists embody the transformative power of a UK education in building a resilient future.
This year finalists for the Science and Sustainability Award are:
- Dr. Bashir Mohammed, graduate of Bradford University, and the University of Sheffield
- Dr. Patrick Crooks, graduate of the University of Sussex
- Dr. Sushil Kumar Shakyawar, graduate of York University
We celebrate the transformative technological contributions they have made across their fields.
Social Action Award 2026 Finalists in the USA
This category shines a spotlight on the changemakers dedicated to transforming lives. Whether through advocacy for peace and justice or hands-on work in reducing poverty and hunger, these finalists are proving that professional excellence is most impactful when used for the social good.
This year finalists for the Social Action Award are:
- Eugene Resnick, graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Jingning Zhang, graduate of the University of Swansea and University of Nottingham Trent
- Megan Otto, graduate of the University of Exeter and the University of Birmingham
We celebrate their efforts that embody the values of global citizenship and the life-changing impact that a UK-educated professional can achieve within their community and beyond.
For the official announcement of the winners, please visit our website and follow our social media channels after our celebration in Los Angeles in 2026.
If our finalists’ stories inspired you, and you have also studied in the UK, we encourage you to join Alumni UK . British Council’s global network is designed to help you grow your professional reach and continue your lifelong learning journey.
Join today, and you could be the next success story we celebrate on this stage.