Hello everyone! I am a first year Natural Sciences student at the University of Leeds, and I am interested in pursuing a career in research. I'm currently studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths and am fascinated by the practical applications of sciences and how they can help others.  My Laidlaw research project is focused on the defluoridation of groundwater via an ion exchange process. I hope to be able to take my research and implement it in Tanzania to provide a sustainable water source for people in Arusha.  

Hi! I'm Radiyat, a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Leeds. I'm extremely interested in healthcare inequality and what it compromises, patient advocacy, and improving experiences within the UK healthcare system. My research focuses on Catgorical thinking (the tendecy to make assumptions based on race, diagnosis, or racial stereotypes) as an issue in the treatment and lived experience of those with Sickle Cell Disease within the UK healthcare systems and wider society.  I aim to centre the voices of patients themselves, exploring how bias, misunderstanding, and systemic inequalities can affect pain management, trust in healthcare professionals, and access to quality care. Outside of research. I love staying active through badminton and going out on walks/hiking with freinds. I enjoy playing videogames and discussing politics 😊!  Please reach out to me If you'd like to talk about health equity, and ensuring underrepresented communities are genuinely heard within medical research and policy discussions. Or even to speak about new videogames or places to walk!

Hello! I’m a first-year Economics student at the University of Leeds, with a strong interest in economic inequalities and development.  My research focuses on the Leeds University Business School Skills Maps - a visual representation of the skills that the student’s course is equipping them with. I will be investigating how these skills maps can be made more accessible and better aid students in the articulation of their transferable skills, hopefully enhancing graduate prospects. Outside of my studies, I enjoy live music and exploring new things, whether it be a place, form of fitness, or a food spot. Please feel free to connect!

Hello! I’m Jess, a Civil Engineering student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in sustainable development, climate‑resilient design, and the role of engineering in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m particularly motivated by how infrastructure can be designed to support communities and contribute to a more sustainable future. This summer, I’ll be working on 'Turning CO2 into power: Investigating how Ni-Co morphology affects electrode performance in CO2 batteries' with Professor Fang at HKU. I’m still at the early stages of the project, but I’m excited to explore emerging approaches to carbon utilisation and the potential for converting CO2 into usable energy. I’m looking forward to contributing to research that sits at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and low‑carbon technologies. Outside of academics, I really enjoy going climbing and going on long walks/hikes. When I am not outdoors, though, I will probably be watching a k-drama in my room to relax.  Please get in touch to talk about anything engineering or sustainability related, or if you have a good k-drama recommendation!

Hi! I’m Evie, an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds studying a joint honours in Law with Hispanic Law. I am deeply motivated by the prospect of making meaningful change through legal and political research, with a specific interest in language, culture and international human rights.   This summer I will be researching the project entitled ‘Queering Citizenship: LGBT+ Activism in Democratic Transitions in South America’, which aims to take an intersectional approach to understanding the treatment of queer individuals in South America through primarily researching and analysing archives.    I am really excited to learn more, and extremely grateful to be able to participate in and contribute to the Laidlaw programme!

Hello I am Ella! I am an undergraduate Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Leeds, driven by a curiosity to understand the biological processes that underpin health and disease. I am particularly passionate about exploring how scientific research can be translated into real-world medical advancements. Alongside my studies, I dedicate time to an array of extracurricular activities that reflect my interests, including performing arts, hiking and acting as an avid member of my university hockey team. My research project is entitled 'Active Learning Strategies for Biomedical Education: A Design Thinking Approach'. My findings will be used to critically evaluate the active learning strategies currently used in biomedical education.  As part of the Laidlaw network, I am excited to connect with like-minded individuals, broaden my perspective, and contribute positively through shared ideas and collaboration. So please don't hesitate to reach out as I am always happy to connect!

I've been looking after Research Scholars in the Arts and Humanities since 2008, and have been involved with the Laidlaw Network since it was established.  I'm passionate about increasing diversity and making opportunities available to more. I'm a proud Loiner (someone from Leeds) and particularly love to work with students to engage with the city and the amazing cultural and creative industries that we have here. 

Hello! I'm Thomas, a second year undergraduate student of Modern Languages (French) and English. My research project is entitled 'Telling the Stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through Self-Guided Heritage Walking Tours'. My findings will form part of Nina Wardleworth's larger ongoing research project involving the commemoration and memory of colonial subjects and citizens in the French (Internal) Resistance. I am particularly drawn to this project's commitment to diversifying the range of stories depicted and its wider efforts to decolonise knowledge.  My other academic interests include language pedagogy, educational equity and French literature. Outside of my studies, I enjoy running, reading and travelling! Feel free to reach out if any of this resonates with your own research or interests :)

Hi! I'm Amanda, a third year Neuroscience student and Laidlaw alum from UCL. I'm Swedish-Persian and grew up in Sweden before moving to London for uni. These days, alongside my studies, I work for the Foundation as a Marketing Assistant. For my first year research project, I worked on optimising alginate hydrogels for 3D astrocyte culture systems. In simpler terms, I was figuring out the best way to prepare a jelly-like scaffolds so that star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes could grow in three dimensions rather than flat on a dish. This matters because 3D environments mimic the brain more realistically, which could help researchers develop better treatments for neurological disorders!  For my Leadership-in-Action project, I co-created Beyond the Books, a resource designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds navigate the unwritten rules of university life, from internships and networking to professional opportunities that aren't always obvious if you're the first in your family to go to uni. Always happy to connect, whether you want to chat about neuroscience, widening access, the Laidlaw experience, or just say hello! One of my favourite things about this community is getting to meet people from different universities and backgrounds, so please do reach out! 🌟

Hello! I'm a third year Biology student at the University of Leeds and I'm part of the 2024 Scholars cohort. I've just finished an industrial placement working in digital marketing, looking to build expertise in the sustainable health & tech space.  I have been trying to figure people out for a long time and I thought what better way than to explore the wonders of neuroscience in my first year research project!?  I'm currenly on my LiA with the Timothy Smith Network in Boston, USA. I'm looking forward to working with students of all ages to teach and inspire them about the intersections of biology and technology.  I'm also a member of the 2026 Undergraduate Laidlaw Advisory Board, where I hope to provide strategic advice and improvements to the Laidlaw programme to ensure future scholars can thrive.  If you want to chat about books, the economic/political state of the world right now, or just life - feel free to drop me a message! :)

Amy is the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme. She works with universities, NGO’s, government departments, businesses and charity partners to manage and develop programmes which further the Laidlaw Foundation’s purpose – to reduce poverty and inequality by investing in the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented and to develop a new generation of diverse and ethical leaders.   Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation, Amy spent 9 years leading the US-UK Fulbright Scholarship Programme, working with students, academics, professionals, and teachers across every discipline. She has gained 15+ years working within Higher Education and is passionate about cultural exchange and the benefits it can bring to impactful research and solving global challenges. Prior to this, she led faculty-led programmes hosting US students in the UK and managed a busy student services. She studied American Studies at Sheffield University and University of Pittsburgh.  

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

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.