Double Durham Winners Of The Bright Network Society Of The Year Awards

Both awards celebrate the hard work and desire of the two groups to make our society better informed, fairer and more sustainable.

The award for the ‘Environment Society of the Year’ (sponsored by Openreach) went to Durham University Electric Motorsport (DUEM) - a solar car team that has designed a ‘next generation’ vehicle for the 2023 World Solar Challenge.

As arguably the most prestigious international race of its kind, the World Solar Challenge covers over three thousand kilometres across the Australian Outback from Darwin to Adelaide, demonstrating the enormous potential for solar power over five grueling days of racing.

DUEM’s Head of Business, Tommy Osrin explained that the team are keen to promote sustainability and technological innovation to future generations;

‘When we aren’t racing across entire continents in our car, we travel the country giving talks on sustainable technologies to inspire students to take an interest in STEM subjects through community outreach events at primary and secondary schools.’

The Durham University Women in Business Society (DUWIB), won the ‘Society with the Biggest Impact on Campus’ (sponsored by Unlocked Graduates) for their work supporting and empowering women within the university community.

The society has been extremely successful to date in helping members gain access to internships and graduate schemes with some of the world’s most prestigious firms. The aim is to support enterprising students to expand and sharpen their understanding of business and give them the skills they will need to become future leaders.

Following their award, DUWIB are looking to continue their great work on campus and co-presidents Eve Howarth and Keerat Thiara gave the following statement;

‘Our focus this year has been on collaboration and inclusion, providing networking events, inspirational talks from female leaders, skills workshops, and the largest mentorship scheme on campus for students at the University. We look to continue providing a holistic platform to cultivate strong leaders, create cycles of positive change through mentorship, and to give our members tools that they can use to aid them in a long and fulfilling career.’

Great work by both winning societies – and congratulations on your well-deserved awards!

Find out more about Durham University Electric Motorsport
Discover Durham University Women in Business