I am an undergraduate Laidlaw scholar from the University of St Andrews in Scotland currently conducting my research project. My research investigates the motivational drivers behind China's Environmentalism.
Hi everyone,
I'm an undergraduate Materials Science student at EPFL. Alongside engineering, I've picked up some economics and law, mostly because I wanted to understand not just how something works technically, but what it takes for it to actually get used.
As a Laidlaw Scholar, I'm building a simulation model of the global carbon-fibre value chain, looking at realistic, costed paths to net zero by 2050. It touches materials, energy and finance at once, which is the kind of problem I like working on.
I try to take leadership seriously, mostly as following through on what you're responsible for. I co-led a water management project in Nyon that got funding from the Rotary Club and was implemented with local authorities, worked on a documentary about migration policy, debated in Model United Nations, and tutor students.
I also spent nine months travelling, which made me more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Outside the lab, I'm usually in the mountains or with a camera.
Always glad to talk about anything.
Hi everyone!
I am a Laidlaw Scholar at EPFL, where I study civil engineering. I am especially interested in sustainable development, and in the long run I would like to work on something that makes a city, or the nature around it, better to live in.
Outside of my studies, if you are asking me to come along, I will probably say yes, whether it is a sport I have never tried, a place to visit, a play, a museum, or just hanging out. On quieter days I read, I draw, and I go running near the lake.
I am always happy to talk to anyone, so feel free to reach out!
I’m Anette, a PPE student at Durham University and a Laidlaw Scholar from Querétaro, Mexico. I’m passionate about understanding how politics, society and education shape people’s opportunities, particularly questions around inclusion, representation and belonging.
My interest in social impact began through youth-led projects in Mexico, where I worked on initiatives focused on education, sustainability and creating opportunities for young people. I have also been involved in international youth initiatives, including work connected to the United Nations, which exposed me to perspectives and challenges from across the world.
At Durham, I enjoy combining my academic interests with practical action through research, student societies, sport and creative projects. Through Laidlaw, I am researching collaborative learning and how universities can better support students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. The experience has pushed me to become more comfortable with uncertainty, question my assumptions and think more critically about how research can translate into meaningful change.
Outside academics, I’m a competitive taekwondo athlete and love creating communities, bringing ideas to life and meeting people with completely different perspectives. I joined Laidlaw not only to develop as a researcher, but to grow as a leader and contribute to a community of curious, ambitious and impact-driven people.
Hi! My name is Judit, and I'm a second-year History and Politics student at Durham University. This summer, I am excited to embark on my research project: an investigation of how young adults use AI for emotional support and companionship.
Like many students, I have witnessed the widespread integration of AI into young people's lives. Yet, there is a lack of AI safety initiatives that address this increase and, in particular, the growing use of AI to meet emotional needs. By conducting a large online survey, my project aims to inform policymakers on the use, causes, and consequences of AI emotional support.
I am really looking forward to starting this research and all the accompanying opportunities as a Laidlaw scholar. Stay tuned for updates!
Hi, my name is Karen and I am a first-year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at Durham University. My research project aims to examine the American and Japanese bilateral relationship through analysing the impacts of US military bases in Okinawa. I am excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort!
Hi! My name is Imogen, and I am currently a first-year studying Psychology at Durham University. I am passionate about understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying everyday behaviour, which is why my research project is focussing on empathy development in children. My experience working with children from range of backgrounds as a volunteer tutor and a lifeguard have emphasised my interest in human behaviour, and the study of psychology constantly questions the classic nature vs nurture debate, as I intend to do. A key skill for leaders in empathy, so my hope is that my research can support understanding into neurodiversity and other conditions that cause empathy to develop in different ways, so that these people can have the best opportunities to succeed!
I am currently a first-year student at Durham University studying Philosophy and Politics.
My research project investigates how social spaces can be created, allowing for state-sanctioned violence to take place alongside a spiritual/religious practice preaching non-violence. To bring an original angle to this question, I will be taking the case study of Thailand, a country with Muay Thai as its national sport and Buddhism as its national religion, and with many practitioners of the former also practicing the latter.
My research topic connects with my interest in martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, albeit more focused on avoiding violent conflict than Muay Thai. I also enjoy challenging myself in many other sports, such as rowing, basketball, tennis, skiing/snowboarding, and having recently started yoga (one which I find uniquely challenging). And when my body becomes too exhausted for these, I like to read, bake, and attempt to learn basic Mandarin.
Hello! I’m Astra, a student at Durham University studying BSc Psychology and Anthropology, and part of the 2026 cohort of Laidlaw Research and Leadership Scholars.
My research project this summer will seek to compare social tolerance behaviours in children and vervet monkeys. I will be creating a quantitative dataset by applying an ethogram to 17.5 hours of experimental footage, and subsequently analysing it in R. At the end, I hope to deliver both a research paper and research poster with my findings.
Through this research and in my future career, I hope to investigate the overlap between psychology and anthropology in order to apply the different approaches for a more holistic understanding of how people work.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, please feel free to reach out!
Hi! My name is Katya and I am a BSc Biosciences student at Durham University.
This summer I am excited to be completing my project on the effect of dopamine transport on the memory of fruit flies. I will be looking at how removing the dopamine transporter from a memory relevant area of the brain has an effect on the ability of the flies to form and retain associative memories.
When I’m not researching, I enjoy playing sports such as tennis, table tennis, netball, and running, and I also love playing music on piano, guitar and flute. I’m really excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw Cohort, so feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if you just fancy a chat!
Hello! I’m Vardan Umbreyan, a Politics and International Relations student at Durham University and a Laidlaw Scholar. My academic interests lie at the intersection of peace and conflict studies, diplomacy, European governance, humanitarian action and international institutions. Through my Laidlaw research, I examine how ripeness theory and a Lederach-inspired cultivation approach can help explain the emergence and prospective transformative significance of TRIPP within the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.
Alongside my academic work, my involvement with the Armenian and British Red Cross has strengthened my commitment to humanitarian values, ethical leadership and service to others. I am particularly interested in how rigorous research can move beyond the university environment and contribute to meaningful policy conversations and social impact. I am always delighted to connect with other scholars, exchange ideas and learn from people working across different disciplines, countries and communities.
Hi! My name is Daohui and I am a first-year Mathematics and Physics student at Durham University (2026). I look forward to being part of the 2026 cohort with my project about prevention and mitigation strategies of future global outbreaks by simulating and analysing the effects of COVID-19! I am particularly interested in applied mathematics and I believe that as the world becomes more and more interconnected, simulatory data will become increasingly important and impactful on global health. After the recent pandemic, there is undoubtedly still work to do in field of epidemiology, which is what I hope to contribute to.
