I am a first-year Electronic and Electrical Engineering student at the University of Leeds and a UKESF Semiconductor Talent Award holder. My research explores what machine learning models are actually learning when applied to physical systems, investigating whether they capture genuine physical principles or simply identify patterns in data. Through this project, I hope to develop my understanding of AI, strengthen my Python and analytical skills, and contribute to the responsible use of machine learning in scientific research.

Supporting Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds For more than ten years, I’ve managed the Laidlaw Programme at Leeds, guiding scholars through transformative research projects and leadership development. I’m committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can explore their potential, challenge themselves, and grow as ethical leaders. I love working with scholars, academics, and partners across the global Laidlaw network to build a community that values curiosity, integrity, and positive change.

Hi! I’m Lilian and I study MSc Applied Linguistics at the University of Oxford. When I did my laidlaw scholarship at the University of Leeds, my research project reviewed a research methodology called 'Listening Rooms'. This is a unique tool used for capturing genuine student experiences at university.

Hello! My name is Mabinty. I'm a second year student studying French and Spanish at the University of Leeds. I'm currently a Laidlaw Scholar, part of the 2026 cohort. I'm from Croydon but grew up in the Netherlands for some years. At the moment, I'm at the end of my second year and preparing for my research programme in Listening to Feminist Art Histories: Researching and Sharing Voices from the FAMH Oral History Archive with Dr Elspeth Mitchell.  I'm passionate about storytelling, whether it be through the medium of fictional tv shows and the cinematographic wonders of film or through the art of an honest and direct meditation and reflection of a life within a documentary. Additionally, I'm a passionate advocate of equity within the arts, media and education. I also like to focus a lot of my academic pursuits and studies around learning about the experiences of marginalised groups within society. I'm beyond excited to take part in the programme and see how it can develop me as a storyteller within the world!

Hello! My name is Nadine, and I am a second-year Genetics student at the University of Leeds. I am interested in pursuing a career in research and global health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular science and immunology. I am passionate about addressing pressing global health challenges through impactful solutions that improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. I strongly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all communities worldwide, and I am committed to contributing to this goal. Through my leadership and medical communications experience, I have developed strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and I am now eager to expand into more lab-based roles where I can contribute directly to improving patient care and advancing scientific research. This summer, I will be joining a research team at the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, where we will investigate a novel molecular pathway involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease in individuals with insulin resistance. This opportunity will allow me to deepen my understanding of translational research and its potential to improve health outcomes. Although still early in my journey, I am excited to begin my Leadership-in-Action project and explore how meaningful research can be applied to real-world health challenges. The Middle East faces a particularly high incidence of cardiovascular disease, with heart disease accounting for approximately one in three deaths annually and occurring, on average, at least a decade earlier than in many Western countries. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I hope to use my platform to contribute to tackling this growing crisis and promoting more equitable global healthcare outcomes.

Laidlaw Scholar 2024/2025 Ancient & Medieval History & Culture (AMHC) Student at Trinity College Dublin Research Project Title: Late Devensian glaciation and its influence on medieval urban development in the Irish Midlands Interested in all things historical & environmental!

I’m a first-year Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Leeds and a proud 2025 Laidlaw Scholar. I’m actively involved with the Leeds University Rocketry Association (LURA), where I work as a Recovery Engineer and Operations Coordinator. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about adventure and personal growth - I’m currently training for my solo skydiving licence, I practice kickboxing, and I’m always up for a thrill. I’m a people person who loves connecting with others, learning new things, and making the most of every opportunity. My research project is 'Development of High-fidelity Underwater Recording system for Capturing Coral Soundscape'.

A 3rd year Astrophysics student at Trinity College Dublin - investigating exomoons around a brown dwarf and in Auckland working with the Kaipatiki Project.

Hello! I am Juliet Scott, an undergraduate BA History student at the University of Leeds, UK. Currently studying a wide range of historical topics ranging from Medieval religion and culture to Global Decolonization in the 20th century! In which I have developed my writing skills and knowledge for the world around us. My first-year research project is ‘Re-creating the People and Communities of Medieval Wakefield’ in which I am researching about the lives of people in the Wakefield Manorial Court Rolls, taking creative liberties on how these people lived to bring them to life and introduce the public to what life was like in medieval Wakefield and the surrounding suburbs. As I was born in Dewsbury and have a Wakefield postcode my project resonates with me a lot with brining research to life and tailoring it towards public consumption. As a Leeds local I enjoy volunteering at the Royal Armouries Museum and WOSM, as well as appreciating Emley Moor Mast’s beauty as a prominent landmark of West Yorkshire (I highly recommend taking a trip outside of Leeds to see the telly tower!) I am also learning Dutch in my spare time, I would love to practice with someone if anyone is able to help me! Academically I am interested in Medieval Daily life, mostly based on looking at objects with 13th century ivory and the recurrent religious themes and the ‘castle of love’ motif as well as modern history of empires, specifically the British Empire (and its economy) and global decolonization with its impact on 20th century politics! Please contact me! I love a good natter and connecting with people! My email is julietscott17@hotmail.com and my linkedin is my name!

Hello! I recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology Research from the University of Toronto. I’m passionate about youth mental health and how humour can be used to support resilience after adversity. My Summer 1 research project explored the relationship between childhood adversity, aggression, and self-regulation — deepening my understanding of the psychological impacts of early trauma. In Summer 2, I led a Leadership-in-Action project at SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Town, where I designed and facilitated a comedy-based mental health program for teens. That experience led me to found HaHaHelps — an organization that uses improv comedy to support youth mental health through accessible, community-led workshops. I am currently conducting a feasibility study of the program in South Africa as part of my master’s dissertation in Psychology at the University of Cape Town, with plans to expand to more communities globally. Please feel free to connect :) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/younessrobert-tahiri Email: youness@hahahelps.org

Hi, my name is Matt and I am the Global Leadership Programmes Officer at the University of Leeds. I help to manage and run the Laidlaw programme at the university.