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! 

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.

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 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 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 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!

Hi I'm Freddie, a student in PPE at Durham University with particular interests in British Political history and the development of its constitution.  I am excited to express this in my research project, focusing on the impact of formalised political parties on voter behaviour, specifically choice and participation. Whilst contributing to the development of an existing dataset containing parliamentary election data from 1832 onwards, I am aiming to perform data-driven alaysis to evaluate Britain's shift from a candidate-based political tradition towards the dominance of party labels. Outside of my studies, I am a keen church bellringer, an avid reader, and enjoy exploring new places.

Hi! My name's Charlie, I'm doing a research project on surrogate functions for solar panel optimisation on tall vertical facades. I'll be comparing optimisation methods between surrogate functions, particle swarm optimisation and genetic optimisation.  I'm studying Engineering, but when I'm not working I am a part of DU Solarcar (looking forward to the European Solar Challenge 2026!), as well as going to church and running in my free time. I'm always up for a game of chess or a chat about science. I'm also learning French and Spanish in my free time. Fun fact: I'm also enrolled on a Welsh language course at Prifysgol Bangor!

Hi! I'm Bruna, a first-year English Literature undergraduate at Durham University, currently working on my research project. My passion for stories is reflected in my research which focuses on examining storytelling's role in policymaking in creative fields in County Durham.  I am from Brazil but have lived in the Netherlands and Kuwait and therefore have come to love learning all about languages and cultures. Moving around also means I am always open to learning more and adapting to new situations.  In my free time, I am usually cosplaying an old grandma: I crochet, embroider, bake and read. At times, I may also be playing the sims. Please feel free to reach out!  qmcj48@durham.ac.uk 

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!

Hi! My name is Nicole and I'm a first year Biology & Geography student at Durham University. I am particularly interested in restoration ecology, with a focus on rewilding which my research project is centred around. I aim to assess whether rewilding of an upland mountain catchment has created more stable microclimates through collecting ground data and aerial drone imagery. If so, this offers a tangible approach to improve the climate resilience of high biodiversity regions, reducing the risk of extinction for flora and fauna. Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, gardening and yoga. I'm excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort!

I am Andrew Hamilton, I have a keen interest in both methods of quantative statistical analysis through R and also through the discipline of comparative politics, in looking at electoral turnout and civic participation in the UK. My work has included being a co author on a experiential case study on pedagogic practice into how methods of statistical analysis through R, can be made accessible for students with visual impairments. Millican, A., Toth, F., & Hamilton, A. (2025, December 4). Seeing differently: Making R accessible for visually impaired students through collaborative learning design. National Centre for Research Methods. https://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/id/eprint/5006/  Further I am an award winning disability rights activist and have a particular interest in disability rights and digital accessibility, work has included lobbied politicians, co-authored a UN report, delivered oral evidence to the UN CRPD committee’s inquiry into the UK government and most recently being invited to give a witness statement to the Covid 19 national enquiry alongside advising an Northern Irish MLA on a disability private members bill. Through my 4+ years experience of campaigning, I have developed a passion for media, as a tool to spread awareness. I am also passionate about ensuring young people have a voice in matters that affect them. Lastly I am an active participant in Durham University’s venture scene, having founded an award winning public affairs startup, Just Include, which aims to ensure that everyone has a voice within politics.

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.

Hey! My name is Martha and I'm a first-year Psychology student studying at Durham University.  My research project examines how children in care engage with STEM subjects, exploring the barriers and opportunities that shape their educational experiences and long-term outcomes in this field. As previous research has shown that young people who are raised in care are eight times less likely to enrol in University and pursue STEM subjects, I believe that this gap demands immediate attention and targeted interventions so that there is equal access to STEM education for all young people, regardless of their background. I am really looking forward to starting this research as it is a subject that I care a great deal about. Growing up in a fostering family, working in HAF summer camps and completing work experience in Liverpool schools in challenging areas have all given me a clear and early understanding of the care sytem which has deepened my determination to address the inequlities that these young people face. 

Hi! My name is Yanna, and I’m a first-year Psychology student at Durham University.  My research project (supervised by Professor Zanna Clay) explores how empathy emerges and matures in young children across cultures. I feel that today, empathy is more important than ever. In an increasingly digital world, social connections are changing and the erosion of deep passions, interests, and morals are leading to more individualistic societies. Understanding how empathy develops could help us to nurture its growth and contribute to more cohesive and compassionate communities.  Additionally, I hope to highlight the importance of recognising both the similarities and differences in psychological development across cultures. By doing so, I aim to promote greater inclusivity within the scientific community and support the development of culturally sensitive approaches to research and practice.