I'm a BSc Mathematics graduate from the University of St Andrews. My research looks at twelve tone music from an abstract algebra perspective, with the hopes of gaining insight into the thoughts and compositional methods of various composers.

Greetings, I am Pacifique HAKIZIMANA, an alum of University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology, with a specialization in Information Systems. I have recently completed a research project focused on the transition from traditional paper-based processes to digital systems within university environments. The objective is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of academic services. The motto guiding this endeavor is "Go green, Go paperless," as we seek to promote a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to education management.

Hello! I'm Reuben, an Art History and Film student researching 'The Sonic Body: Technology, Embodiment, Gender' with the University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. I am also a student filmmaker and illustrator, and host 'The Theory of Everything Podcast' for StAR Radio.

I am an incoming MPhil candidate in Medieval History at the University of Oxford. Alongside my research specialism of late medieval religious and social history, other interests of mine include social and labour history in the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, the history of medieval devotional objects, and nineteenth-century art. My research project was supervised by Drs Amy Blakeway and Jacqueline Rose. Titled 'History, religion and community in North East Fife', my project investigated the history of the village of Kingsbarns using archival material and interviews. My essay was a social history of the area, with a section on historical methodology. This was later supplemented with an oral account of the church in its current form by one of its contemporary administrators. In my second summer, I created and hosted a local history workshop in collaboration with the Boomerang Community Centre in Stobswell, Dundee. This combined archival research with an empowering leadership project, which encouraged participants to continue to investigate historical topics they are passionate about. The workshop was greatly successful, and feedback from the participants was wholly positive.

I am a final year student, studying Molecular Medicine in Trinity College Dublin.

I am an alumni of the University of York where I received a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature and Linguistics. I was the Arts and Humanities Subject Lead on the Laidlaw Scholar's Network and the 2020-22 Arts and Humanities Undergraduate rep at the University of York.  After graduating from York I went to the University of Oxford to read for an MPhil in Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics. After 2 years of study at Oxford I work full time in a school and also work on the HEnabled podcast, which aims to showcase the experiences of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions within the British Higher Education system. If you study or have studied at a British University and have a disability or long term-health condition, then I would love to have you on as a guest! Email henabled@gmail.com to get in touch. 

Hello! I'm Emma, a 2017 Undergraduate Leadership & Research Programme alumna and one of the Founding Co-Presidents of the Laidlaw Alumni Society. My 2017 Undergraduate Research project focused on UK legislation which requires certain organisations to publish an annual statement about the efforts they are making to stop modern slavery in their supply chains. In particular, I looked at whether this legislation was really making a difference in the fight against modern slavery in supply chains. At the time, I concluded that the legislation was largely ineffective - however, you'll be pleased to know that, just a few years later, topics such as modern slavery in supply chains have risen much further up the corporate agenda (for various reasons largely unrelated to the UK legislation). These days, I work as a lawyer. For the first few years of my career, I advised corporate clients on ESG disputes and regulation (including matters relating to modern slavery statements!). I am about to start a new, exciting chapter of my legal career, working to develop two nuclear projects which will help the UK to achieve net zero by 2050 and ensure that its energy supply is secure.

Hi there! I am studying the Bachelor of Science in both Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Food & Nutritional Science. Doing and learning from research are of interest to me for better understanding of the world and unprecedented benefits to humanity of all kinds. Feel free to exchange knowledge and ideas with me!

I am an undergraduate Laidlaw Scholar studying Philosophy and Politics at the University of York. I am very interested in climate education. My project investigates collective responsibility regarding climate change in the primary years of school.

My research project looks at female artists in Scandinavia at the turn of the 19th century, and so by extension historiography and feminist art history. However, my expertise as an undergraduate I would say is medieval art history, particularly looking at how modern imagination directs our understanding and expectations of medieval religious practice. Outside of academia, I am looking to pursue a career in paper conservation after graduating and so have keen interest in archival practices and conservation methodologies. Safe to say I have a lot of interests, and am always looking to further my understanding in the art world!

Economics scholar researching my own alternative to GDP!

Environmental Science student

Laidlaw Research and Leadership Scholar. Fourth year undergraduate student at Durham university, studying for a Master's in physics and chemistry. The research has two strands. Firstly, to model the physical interactions between two membrane-bound organelles which are separated by a droplet (a droplet is defined as a membrane-less organelle herein). Secondly, to model the formation of droplets on flexible membranes. A joint approach of mathematical theory and computational modelling is being applied. The computational model is coded using the Python programming language. It is anticipated that the first research strand will determine whether membrane-bound organelles can be glued together by droplets, thereby providing a non-specific membrane adhesion mechanism. Comprehension of this mechanism is crucial for understanding how cells organise and function. A report on this strand (carried out in summer 2019) has not been published as this research has not yet obtained results. However, this work will be continued by a PhD student starting autumn 2020. The second strand will investigate the feasibility of droplet formation on intracellular surfaces, thereby challenging the current paradigm that droplet formation is not a surface phenomenon. This work will be further developed by a Masters student starting autumn 2020. This research will provide a quantitative insight into cellular organisation and function, which may have important consequences in better understanding how to treat diseases of the brain due to ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of my studies I enjoy board-games, hill-walking and science outreach.

Alex was the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme from September 2021 - May 2024.  Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation Alex spent over a decade at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he most recently managed the university’s Laidlaw Scholars Programme. In addition, Alex taught leadership courses and guest-lectured internationally on the subjects of strategy and leadership. A bilingual speaker, dual national and keen traveller, Alex has lived, visited and worked in several countries around the world. During this time, he has had a unique opportunity to encounter and explore different cultures and working environments, experiencing first-hand what good leadership can achieve. His passion for this topic is driven by these experiences and a desire to challenge people to unlock their full leadership potential. Alex holds an MBA from the Open University and a Master of Research in Management from the University of St Andrews. He has also obtained Associate Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy. In his spare time, Alex is an avid skier and volunteers with a local guide dog organisation.

I'm an alumni from Tufts University, I majored in cognitive and brain sciences. My project is titled 'The Neuroscience of Intellectual Disability', and through multiple molecular biology techniques my lab aims to better understand the effect of β-catenin and Adenomatous Polyposis coli Protein (APC) malfunction on intellectual disabilities. I do most of my work at the Michele Jacob Lab, in the Tufts School of Medicine in downtown Boston. I'm now working at the Martinos Center on Alzheimer’s research.

Natural Sciences student studying chemistry and biochemistry. Over the last two summers, I have integrated my knowledge in both these subjects, as part of my Laidlaw project, 'Exploring The Health Effects of Betalains.' Betalains are a class of pigments found in a limited number of plant species, such as beetroot and amaranth. They are already utilised in industry as a natural food colouring agent but there is also a growing interest in betalain bioactivity, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, which my research contributes to.

I am a tertian undergraduate student of Physics and Mathematics, University of St Andrews, Scotland. With a background in biology, my interests lie in rewilding, quantum biology, and integrated ecological restoration (think a mixture of art history, mathematical modelling, biodiverisity surveying, &c.&c.). I am an avid hiker; some of my fondest memories are of climbing Mt Chimborazo while volunteering in Ecuador, running wild in the bush in my home country, New Zealand, and exploring the French Pyrenees. When not tackling differential equations or mountains, I indulge in painting and writing poetry.

Final year at York, studying French and Spanish. Passionate about international relations and intercultural communication. My research project used post-structural feminist theory to explore female agency in Le Morte Darthur.