2026

Student Award Winners

Celebrating the next generation of STEM talent

The 2026 STEM Student Award winners have been announced. Across 12 categories, these students, apprentices, societies and rising stars have been recognised for their innovation, leadership, impact and future potential in science, technology, engineering and maths.

View the Winners

2026 WINNERS ANNOUNCED | STUDENT AWARDS | FUTURE STEM TALENT |

The future of STEM starts here

The STEM Student Awards celebrate exceptional early-career talent from across the UK. Our 2026 winners represent the creativity, ambition and real-world impact shaping the future of STEM.

From breakthrough projects and inspiring role models to future leaders, apprentices, influencers and student societies, each winner has shown what is possible when talent, opportunity and purpose come together.

A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners, finalists and sponsoring organisations.

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.

Winner

Aurelia Brzezowska - University of Staffordshire

Sponsored by

Innovator of the Year

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

Winner

Priyal Tandon - University of Leicester

Sponsored by

STEM Young Woman of the Year

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

Winner

Aagoon Chakraborty -The University of Edinburgh

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.

Winner

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.

Winner

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.

Winner

Women In Technology Society, Avani Gill - University of Birmingham

Sponsored by

STEM Rising Star

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

Winner

Mahnoor Jehanzeb - Trinity Sixth Form Acdemy

Sponsored by

STEM Undergraduate of the Year

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

Winner

Rakshitha Aakula Ramachandra - University of Essex

Sponsored by

STEM Apprentice of the Year

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

Winner

Hasiba Nawaz - AMRC Training Centre, Apprenticeship with Balmoral

Sponsored by

Energy Future Leader

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

Winner

Mollie Edge -Student Aston University

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.

Winner

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.

Winner

Aurelia Brzezowska - University of Staffordshire

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.