Swara partners with women led enterprises and artisan communities to create income opportunities through ethical fashion and community based tourism. CraftHER is a six week leadership journey in Kerala where scholars learn alongside makers, co create designs, and reflect on community and craft with cross cultural learning. Visit the LSN room for activity posts, resources and programme updates. . Visit the LSN room for activity posts, resources and programme updates https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/swara?

SOS Kinderdorf runs Making Impact Visible in Nepal. Scholars join a small media team to document programmes for children, young people and families. Over several weeks in summer, they plan and carry out field visits with SOS colleagues in locations such as Kathmandu, Itahari and Pokhara, capturing photos and short videos, gathering stories, and producing clear and ethical communications materials. Strong photography or video editing skills and fluent English are expected, and safeguarding standards apply. Discover the project details, timelines, tips and first-hand reflections in the LSN room.: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/sos-kinderdorf?

SOS Children’s Villages supports children who have lost or risk losing parental care by providing family-like care and strengthening vulnerable families to prevent separation. In South Africa, programmes include village-based care, foster care, and youth development, prioritising safety, education, and wellbeing through long-term, community-embedded support. Responsibilities & Ideal Background Work that connects Scholars with children and the local community where they can make a visible difference. A good fit is someone compassionate, adaptable, and reliable, with experience (or strong interest) in youth work, psychology/social work, education, or community arts. You should be comfortable facilitating groups, diffusing conflict, maintaining boundaries, and adapting to resource-limited settings. Bonus skills include trauma-informed practice, play- or arts-based facilitation, and basic project coordination. The impact is direct and human, with lasting relationships and outcomes. LiA Champions Our LiA Champions are Helen Henwood and Youness Robert-Tahiri. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experiences—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/helen-henwood https://laidlawscholars.network/users/youness-robert-tahiri Organisation Contact SOS Children’s Villages South Africa Email: zama.mbele@sos.org.za

A global community that connects engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together. Through the re_action for impact programme, scholars take part in a six-week full-time summer experience with local partners to mobilise communities and deliver concrete actions on social and environmental challenges. Explore toolkits, videos and past scholar reflections: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/make_sense-re_action? Country focus In Mexico City, scholars work at the intersection of climate change and its social impacts and gender violence. You’ll partner with grassroots organisations to enhance urban resilience (e.g., water management, equitable adaptation) and to support community-driven initiatives that empower women and advance gender equity. Expect deep field immersion, co-design with local partners, and leading volunteer teams to test concrete solutions.

The Garden of Hope Foundation works to end gender- and sexuality-based violence, support and empower victims, and strengthen communities in Taiwan. This project involved outreach and empowerment through the Asian Girls Campaign and a week-long empowerment camp. Responsibilities & Ideal Background Contribute to community organising and project coordination, with tasks spanning in-person activities, social media, website updates, and translation. A good fit is someone passionate about feminism, queer rights, and empowerment, with the willingness to try new things. Conversational Mandarin helps you get more from the experience. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Chiu-yi Rachel Ngai. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/c-rachel-ngai Organisation Contact The Garden of Hope Foundation Email: goh2146@goh.org.tw

Hi, I'm Elena and I am a part of Laidlaw's 2023-24 cohort at the University of Leeds. I am currently studying Biotechnology with Enterprise which focusses on applying aspects of molecular and cellular biology to solve current problems. This can be in the form of using genetic modification to improve food security, discovering useful antibiotic properties of bacteria or the creation of vaccines via investigation of viruses. Along side this I also have begun learning about various areas of business in my enterprise modules.  I have chosen to work on a pre-defined research project: 'Bees, Pesticides and Insect declines: defining the sublethal effects of pesticides on honeybees'. I am excited for this project as I will be able to expand my biological knowledge into the field of entomology and continue to develop my lab-skills independently as I will be observing effects of sulfoxaflor and biological chemicals on young honey bees whilst also analysing their DNA to investigate any genetic mutations.  I enjoy spending time walking and running (especially around my home in the Peak District), making me motivated to make a difference in conserving and rebuilding our world's natural environments. Additionally outside of my studies I love to dance (ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre...), sing, attend classes with Uni's yoga society, bake and explore in & around leeds (including finding good places to eat) with my friends. 

Big Group Hug mobilises community support to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable children and their families in Melbourne. Responsibilities & Ideal Background A balance of responsibility and support, with exposure to different areas depending on interest. Scholars may work closely with leadership and contribute ideas across events and projects. A good fit is someone happy to rotate through varied tasks; the environment is supportive and welcoming. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Elena Law. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/elena-law/content Organisation Contact Big Group Hug Email: bernadene@biggrouphug.org

A global community that connects engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together. Through the re_action for impact programme, scholars take part in a six-week full-time summer experience with local partners to mobilise communities and deliver concrete actions on social and environmental challenges. Explore toolkits, videos and past scholar reflections: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/make_sense-re_action? Country focus In Medellín, scholars engage with creative-industries innovation to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion. Working alongside social enterprises and cultural organisations, you’ll co-create projects that build opportunities for youth in vulnerable communities, foster neighbourhood ties, and contribute to long-term peace and social resilience through arts, culture, and design-led interventions.

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'm currently piloting the full program in South Africa, 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

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'.

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 am Lottie Knee, a Philosophy and Politics undergraduate student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.  Building on my background in normative ethics, international development, and foreign policy, this summer I investigated Academic Freedom and Censorship in Biodiversity Conservation. My research explores how political pressures, freedom of speech, and censorship influence conservation work, engaging with real incidents where knowledge and debate have been constrained. This project challenges me to enter a new area of study while strengthening the critical and ethical frameworks developed in my degree.  Outside of academia, I love to travel. I took a gap year before attending university where I solo travelled Australia, Indonesia and The Philippines. This was a fantastic opportunity for adventure, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.  I am always open to connect with others within the Laidlaw community! 

I am the leadership developer for the University of Leeds. I am passionate about learning and ways in which we can all bring more of our true selves to work. I am keen to open dialogues about how leadership can be both effective and human in the 21st Century. My influences include a quote I learnt whilst studying to be a teacher at university "there is no liberating influence than the knowledge that things have not always been as they are and need not remain so." (Simon. B.) So, you can see that as leaders of the future Laidlaw Scholars can bring about positive and lasting change - and how great that is! My qualifications include: BEd Hons,, MSc, CIPD Dip, ILM L5 Coaching & Mentoring, PG Cert Counselling, FHEA. I am accredited to run Quintax personality profile, PPA, TMSDI Team Profile, EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence.

Hello! I am a first year English Literature student studying at the University of Leeds. My research is about the glamourisation and romanticisation of True Crime. 

Hello, my name is Yara Alhajji. I’m a 3rd year dental student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in public health, paediatric dentistry, and community outreach. As someone with lived experience as a Syrian refugee, I’m deeply passionate about equity in healthcare access and using my platform to give back to underrepresented communities. Over the past few years, I’ve actively participated in several outreach programmes including OpenWide, Raised in Yorkshire, and Reach for Expense, all aimed at improving dental awareness and education across diverse populations. I’ve proudly been part of OpenWide for three consecutive years initially as the Primary School Representative, then as President, and currently serving as the Outreach Representative. The society works to bridge the gap between dental professionals and the wider community, delivering workshops for people of all ages. Through the society I’ve initiated a collaboration with Raised in Yorkshire, a long term outreach and research initiative exploring public understanding of dental health and shaping how we engage communities more meaningfully. Outside of dentistry, I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and challenging myself through physical activities. My background and personal journey continue to fuel my drive to advocate for inclusive healthcare and make a positive impact through both clinical practice and community-led research. Feel free to reach out to me on here or through my email dn23ya@leeds.ac.uk or through my Instagram account! 

Ciao! I'm Leonardo, a Laidlaw Scholar passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating meaningful change in this world. I come from Italy, and at 17, I took an uncomfortable step by moving alone to the UK to pursue my studies, determined to gain access to an English university, networks, and growth opportunities. My research title is: "Using Points of Interest Data to Understand Retail Change in Great Britain, 2015 – 2025", which deeply connects with my entrepreneurial objectives. Through Laidlaw, I'm excited to expand my leadership capabilities, refine essential entrepreneurial skills and find new people within this amazing network! I'm passionate about engaging with Laidlaw's diverse global community, exchanging perspectives, and fostering long-lasting connections. I look forward to contributing my experiences, collaborating with fellow scholars, and continuously growing as both a leader and an individual. Please feel free to connect; I’m genuinely excited to share ideas, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions together! Leonardo Linkedin  leonardogareri05@gmail.com

Hello! I’m Angela, a first-year Business Management student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025 Laidlaw Scholar cohort. This summer, I’ll be researching the pre-defined project “The Past, Present and Future of Latin America and Leeds.” In my free time, I love reading, painting, and exploring poetry. I'm also an active person and enjoy sports such as cross-country running, swimming, and football. I'm currently learning French and love travelling as a way to explore different cultures. I'm always excited to learn, grow and connect with people from everywhere.  

Hello!  I’m Xanthe Hudson, a Geography BA undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar. My academic interests focus on global geopolitics, climate change and the intersection of human and physical geography. This summer, my research project explores academic censorship and self-censorship across disciplines, examining how legal threats, intimidation and professional retaliation impact academic freedom. Through surveying researchers, I aim to identify vulnerable fields, underlying power dynamics and explore the wider implications for knowledge production in biodiversity conservation. Beyond academia, I’m driven by a strong curiosity about global issues and love to meet and learn from new people. During my time spent in rural Nepal, I supported initiatives addressing period poverty and improving education in communities still affected by the 2015 earthquakes. These experiences deepened my understanding of how grassroots education can help to drive sustainable change. Before university, I took a gap year, travelling to Morocco and Nepal and spending three months solo in Namibia, where I worked on a remote horse ranch and a cheetah conservation project. These experiences challenged me and have shaped my global perspective by exposing me to new cultures and narratives.   I am excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community and open to connecting with other scholars!