Winner: Angela Green
The new ‘Managing Marketing Communications’ module, developed by Angela Green in the the Department of Management and Marketing, introduces a novel assessment that adds an engaging international dimension to the curriculum. The module is delivered through a workshop format, blending traditional lecture content with real-world, active role-play drawing on international examples which are adaptable to students’ cultural and contextual knowledge.
This new module has had a positive effect on students with the localized approach helping not only to engage students, but also to enhance their understanding of international marketing practices. The outcomes were outstanding, with students producing marketing materials comparable to those of professional agencies. The Managing Marketing Communications module exemplifies how experiential learning can bridge academic theory and industry practice, delivering an enriching, real-world international experience for students.
Winner: The International Students Association (ISA)
Runner-up: Asel Weerabahu
The International Students Association (ISA) creates meaningful opportunities for students to enhance their intercultural understanding and develop as global citizens. Through its event, World Fest, the ISA has made a significant contribution to fostering a sense of global community on campus. World Fest, attended annually by hundreds of students, staff and members of the local community is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. The impact of World Fest extends far beyond the event itself. Visitors leave with an enriched understanding of the global community of which they are part. The ISA’s dedication to creating such a transformative experience reflects their unwavering mission to nurture global citizens who value diversity and work towards a more inclusive world.
Winner: Sophie Holland-Francis and the Ustinov College Administration Team
Sophie Holland Francis and the Ustinov College Administration Team have made a profound positive impact in the workplace and beyond by delivering outstanding support for the Global Citizenship Programme (GCP) and related initiatives. Their efforts have created a seamless, inclusive, and engaging experience for over 1,000 students and local community members annually, reinforcing the University’s global outlook. The team’s meticulous planning and coordination underpin the success of every GCP event, fostering community cohesion and showcasing the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and international collaboration. The team has cultivated a collaborative and supportive culture, ensuring staff and students feel empowered to participate in and contribute to the GCP’s initiatives.
Winner: Stephenson College
Runner-up: Ustinov College
Stephenson College has continued to develop its global partnerships and wider student experience over the past year, as part of a continuing commitment to being a truly global college and ensuring every student has the opportunity to have a global experience here at Durham. Stephenson College’s global activities have had a significant impact, supporting its aspirations as a respectful, inclusive, and interdisciplinary community of students, staff, and local community members. The College itself is more globally connected than ever before and has created transformative opportunities for members of the community to develop themselves and their global perspectives, as well as be truly active global citizens.
Winner: Carol Heatley
Runner-up: Lauren Barnes
Carol Heatley, Senior EU Funding Manager in RIS, has furthered international collaboration and understanding across the University. Carol is a leading light in the EU Liaison Group communicating all updates, opportunities and results within seconds of global public release. She had facilitated significant income generation for the University this year, with more colleagues applying for, and winning, EU grants than in the last 5 years. She is hugely well respected by UKRO and UKRI staff, and she is the driving force behind Durham's increasing global research funding profile. She has supported three multimillion applications for funding, and those of many colleagues across the Arts and Humanities Faculty. She regularly goes the extra mile to provide feedback on applications quickly, and is always constructive in making connections to existing expertise within the University.
Winner: Professor Rui Gomes Coelho
Runner-up: Lynda Boothroyd
The UN International Decade for People of African Descent concluded in 2024, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples initiative. Archaeologist Rui brought Durham University into key discussions surrounding the UN initiative’s goals, which focused on promoting respect and recognition for people of African descent and fostering knowledge about their diverse heritage, culture, and contributions. Rui has developed an international research project, ‘Ecologies of Freedom’, which explores the environmental impacts of slavery and colonialism in the Atlantic world. The project investigates how affected communities responded to these challenges by developing alternative, sustainable strategies to manage resources and create their own pathways to freedom. The project was developed in partnership with NGOs, grassroots organizations, and local authorities in both West Africa and Southern Europe. Through Rui’s expert leadership, the project has had significant international impact, raising awareness about the legacies of slavery and colonialism in contemporary societies and their connections to the current global climate crisis.
Winner: Ustinov College SPARK Outreach Programme
Runner-up: ECO2 Smart Schools COP29 Online Conference
The Ustinov SPARK programme has had a transformative impact on both the workplace and the wider community by creating meaningful connections between Ustinov College’s international scholars and local primary schools. For the scholars involved, SPARK provides an invaluable opportunity to develop essential skills such as public engagement, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity. By translating complex research topics into accessible, engaging content for young audiences, they gain confidence and a sense of purpose beyond academia. This has enriched the workplace culture at Ustinov College, fostering collaboration, pride, and a shared commitment to outreach and inclusivity.
Winner: Ayasha Nordiawan
Runner Up: Yan Hiu Crystal Ho and the ISA
As the Indigo Editor for Palatinate, Ayasha has redefined the magazine’s approach to inclusivity by spearheading Indigo's International Editions. Under her leadership, the magazine has focused on a different region every three print editions, creating an inclusive platform for international students to share their voices. This initiative has not only increased the visibility of underrepresented cultures but also encouraged more international students to contribute as writers, artists, and editors. Rather than viewing diversity and differences as challenges, Ayasha has embraced them wholeheartedly, treating them as opportunities to enrich the magazine's content opening up new avenues to celebrate cultural diversity beyond surface-level representation. Ayasha’s unwavering commitment to fostering respect, fairness, and inclusivity across multiple spheres of the university community in meaningful, transformative ways makes her a truly deserving candidate for this award.
Winner: Professor Simon Croft
Simon graduated from Durham in 1971 with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology (St Cuthbert’s Society) and maintains a deep affection for and connection with the University. Following a PhD at the University of Liverpool, Simon dedicated himself to alleviating the devasting impact of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), becoming one of the foremost scientists and advocates in this area. Through multiple academic posts (finally the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), he pursued new treatments for some of the most devastating diseases of the global poor. As the first R&D Director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Simon built a portfolio of 16 discovery, pre-clinical and clinical projects for the trypanosomiases and leishmaniases. These outstanding achievements alone would make Simon an ideal recipient of this Award. However, it is his continued engagement and commitment to promoting the University and its partners on a world stage that makes Simon such an exceptional candidate. This includes Departmental seminars, conference contributions and his stewardship of the International Advisory Board for the Durham-led MRC GCRF Global Network for NTDs. Simon also created with St Cuthbert’s Society an event to celebrate the GCRF Network and the recent award of the prestigious MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize.
Winner: Professor Paul Denny
Runner-up: Brett Smith
Paul has been an outstanding global ambassador for Durham University for many years. Trained at UCL as a molecular parasitologist, he has established a world-renowned research laboratory focusing on new targets and treatments for neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease in Latin America and Leishmaniasis mainly in Asia and Africa. These diseases lack effective treatments and affect almost exclusively the poorest communities in endemic countries.
As one of the key members and leaders of the Durham-led MRC funded Grand Challenges Research Fund he was instrumental in building an international consortium spanning more than a dozen countries, three continents and over 500 researchers including research technicians, postgraduate students, research associates and professors. The impact of this Durham-led consortium was recognized in 2023 by winning the MRC Outstanding Team Award. Paul has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in this area and a strong commitment to international development through the provision of training in the latest techniques for researchers from endemic countries across several continents. Paul has always led a highly diverse and international research group, welcoming and supporting visiting researchers from low-and middle-income countries and through his inclusive leadership style, has become a role model and key mentor, in particular for the younger members of the department.
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