2026

Student Award Finalists

Celbrating the next generation of STEM talent

Meet this year's exceptional and passionate stars who stand around our 2026 Sutdent Awards categories. Each finalist has been recognised for their innovation, impact and ambition to shape our future in STEM

View the Finalists

2026 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED | STUDENT AWARDS | FUTURE STEM TALENT |

The future of STEM starts here

Our 2026 finalists represent some of the most exciting early-career STEM talent across the UK. From standout undergraduate projects to society impact, inclusion and future leadership, these awards celebrate students who are already making a difference.

Each category is supported by a STEM employer sponsor, helping connect brilliant young talent with real career opportunities.

12

Student Award Categories

2026

Finalist Cohort

1

Future STEM Community

Inclusion in Action of the Year

Celebrating a student, society or initiative making STEM more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for others.

Aagoon Chakraborty - University of Edinburgh
Amy Scerri - University of Bath
Aurelia Brzezowska - University of Staffordshire
Hanaa Babrakar - Loughborough University

Sponsored by

Innovator of the Year

Recognising a student using creativity, problem-solving and STEM thinking to create something genuinely impactful.

Aleena Jacob - Maynooth University

Pauline Tung Bo Ling - University of Birmingham
Priyal Tandon - University of Leicester
Anna Pham - University of Notre Dame

Sponsored by

STEM Young Woman of the Year

Recognising an inspiring young woman in STEM who demonstrates ambition, achievement, leadership and future potential.

Aagoon Chakraborty -The University of Edinburgh
Anna Pham - University of Notre Dame
Avani Gill - University of Birmingham
Elizabeth Joseph- Adigun -The University of Westminster
Grace Betta - University of Birmingham
Hasiba Nawaz - AMRC Training Centre, Apprenticeship with Balmoral
Isabel Candir - University of Leeds
Jedidah Ajala - University of Edinburgh
Juliette Aitken - University of Aberdeen
Rachel Kovacs -The University of Sheffield

Sponsored by

Neurodivergent Role Model of the Year

Recognising a neurodivergent student or early-career STEM talent who is inspiring others and helping create a more inclusive STEM future.

Alex Kaczmarek -The Leys College,
Austin Alden - Berwick St Michael's Catholic High School
Hanaa Babrakar - Loughborough University
Rowan Curnow - Pedder DCG roundhouse, Apprenticeship with Tecforce Ltd

Sponsored by

Best STEM Project

Celebrating a standout STEM project that demonstrates creativity, technical ability and real-world impact.

Daniyal Amir - University of Surrey
Innova UoL- University of Leicester
Jawad Roshan Shaik Mohammad -University of Leicester
Sanan Shankar - Imperial College London

Sponsored by

STEM Women Society Impact

Celebrating a society, group or student-led initiative making a meaningful impact for women in STEM.

Avani Gill - University of Birmingham
Isabel Candir - University of Leeds
Mawiya Jalil - City St. George's, University of London
Weronika Wieczorek - University of Birmingham
Mary Sowter - Imperial College London
Rakshitha Aakula Ramachandra - University of Essex

Sponsored by

STEM Rising Star

Celebrating a high-potential student or early-career STEM talent who is already showing signs of an exceptional future.

Grace Betta - University of Birmingham
Mahnoor Jehanzeb - Trinity Sixth Form Acdemy
Mcebisi Solly Nkomo - Lavender International, Apprenticeship with Techforce Ltd
Mollie Edge - Aston University
Sabella Araya - Loughborough University
Shohail Ismail - University of Sheffield
Ellis Hare - SETA, Apprenticeship with Biffa
Lily Stephens - Colchester Institute

Sponsored by

STEM Undergraduate of the Year

Celebrating an undergraduate student who has shown exceptional promise, curiosity and achievement in a STEM subject.

Abhipsa Panda - Manchester Metropolitan University
Alex Godwin Emmanuel Rajanathan - University of Surrey
Alistair Louis Horobin - University of Surrey
Amy Scerri - University of Bath
Bethany McTegart - University of Birmingham
Chidera Christian Mgbike
Evelyn Ajayi - University of Cranfield
Junaid Adia - University of Leicester
Rakshitha Aakula Ramachandra - University of Essex
Rooney Lin - University of Surrey
Shohail Ismail - University of Sheffield

Sponsored by

STEM Apprentice of the Year

Celebrating an outstanding apprentice making a meaningful impact in their role, workplace or wider STEM community.

Faith Varghese - MYC
Hasiba Nawaz - AMRC Training Centre, Apprenticeship with Balmoral
Tom Ayling - Semester Learner, Apprenticeship with Tecforce Ltd
Elizabeth Joseph- Adigun - University of Westminster, The Her Estate Network
Rowan Curnow Pedder - DCG roundhouse, Apprenticeship with Tecforce Ltd

Sponsored by

Energy Future Leader

Recognising a student with the ideas, ambition and potential to contribute to the future of energy and sustainability.

Alisha Pemberton -Sir John Deane Sixth Form College
Mollie Edge -Student Aston University
Zara Chakrabarti - Withington Girls' College

Sponsored by

Outstanding Contribution to STEM

Recognising a student or early-career individual who has gone above and beyond to support, promote or advance STEM.

Aurelia Brzezowska - University of Staffordshire
Innova -UoL University of Leicester
Priyal Tandon - University of Leicester
Zara Chakrabarti - Withington Girls' School
Logan Elliot Smith - University of the West of England

Sponsored by

Young STEM Influencer of the Year

Recognising a student or early-career STEM voice using content, community or communication to inspire others.

Aurelia Brzezowska - University of Staffordshire
Freya Barrett - University of Birmingham
Hasiba Nawaz - AMRC Training Centre, Apprenticeship with Balmoral
Marguerite Aduh - University of Leicester

Sponsored by

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Want to support the next generation of STEM talent?

Sponsor a Student Award category and put your brand in front of some of the UK’s brightest emerging STEM talent.