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'm Eleanor, currently an undergraduate student of French and German at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.  My research project focuses on 'Telling the stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through podcasts'. This forms part of Professor Wardleworth's larger ongoing research project to identify members of the French Internal Resistance in WW2 who were from the French Empire, in an effort to diversify and decolonise knowledge about this period. I am fascinated by the global impact of colonialism and inter-colonial perspectives, and aim to work in the politicial field in the future. I am incredibly excited to bring my interests alive through this project. Outside of academia, I love to hike, travel and meet new people.  Feel free to get in touch!

Hello! I'm Fraser, a first-year biochemistry student at the University of Leeds. My main passion is biochemistry, but my interests extend across science and philosophy. I am ever-curious and love to learn and debate with my friends. The research project I will be embarking on this summer is titled: "Reimagining Electrophysiology Teaching for Neuroscience Undergraduates through a Design-Thinking Approach." I chose this project because I understand the importance of proper education in understanding and advancing science. The ineffectual education of complex scientific themes, like the brain, leads to misconceptions among the scientific community and the wider public. This can inhibit the advancements of science and impair related practices, such as the care of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I love playing sports. My favourites include rugby, football and tennis, but I am always eager to try something new. I also enjoy listening to music, doing resistance training at the gym, playing my bass guitar, and being in nature. Feel free to drop me a message or email me at zrwh2552@leeds.ac.uk to discuss research, university, or just to say hi. :)

I am a 2nd year student at the University of Leeds studying Politics and Parliamentary Studies and have just completed my first summer research project looking into what the new Labour government can learn from other centre-left governments in its fight against climate change, a key global issue of our time combining two of my biggest passions!

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. 

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

Hi! I'm passionate about using the elegant and sometimes insane theories in physics and using them to contribute to healthcare. Currently I'm looking at a career treating cancer by using targeted ionizing radiation to skilfully shrink tumours. I'm fascinated at how physics can be used to harness the beautiful complexity of nature to transform lives. I sincerely hope I have a long career of contributing to this effort in any way I can, from being a clinical scientist to conducting own my research to helping other researchers receive patents for their work. The title of my Laidlaw research project is 'Evaluating Current Methods for Enhancing Clinical Computer Tomography Imaging Using Contrast Agents'. This beautifully ties my expertise with improving patient outcomes and innovation within healthcare. Another aspect of my journey so far has been navigating pursuing higher education in physics as a Muslim woman. Although challenging at times, I've learnt of ways to overcome my fear of failure and imposter syndrome, and I would love to help others to do the same. Whether I create a small group or kickstart a network, I'm not too sure, but if you've ever been in the same position please reach out! Who knows where it could lead us and who else we could help :) As for my hobbies and interests, that list is extensive and everchanging, but my current fixation is gardening. Nothing can quite describe the joy you feel after seeing a tiny dot you nurtured for 3 months turn into prolific blooms. If anyone would like to collaborate or just say hi then please do! 

My name is Eleanor and I’m a scholar of the 2021 Laidlaw cohort. I am a current master's by research student at the University of Leeds where I have recently graduated with a BA in French and Spanish. As part of my degree programme, I spent 18months abroad, working at the memorial of Mont-Valérien, and for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as a British Council teaching assistant in Spain.  My undergraduate research experience as a Laidlaw scholar has really inspired me to continue decolonial research going forward - please see my posts to find out about my research. 

Hi! I’m Lily and currently study advanced psychology at the university of Leeds. Theorising why something has happened is something I consider myself good at (also known as overthinking). One of the perks of psychology is that you are forced to socialise with people, which a few years ago would have been my my introverted selfs nightmare. However, interacting with individuals from such diverse backgrounds has developed such a passion to help people and has lead to massive growths in my confidence.  Now specifically having interests in forming interventions and strategies to improve the quality of life and mental stability of vulnerable individuals from groups such as survivors of domestic abuse, service users and addicts. My research project is called “thinking inside the box” centred around reverting back to our primary archival sources to provide a different perspective on the political resistance in Latin American rather than relying on information that has been extensively modified. Specifically introducing archive-based teaching methods and evidencing that they can act as critical and liberators pedagogies. Ultimately wanting to challenge the curriculum by using authentic methods of assessment and promote autonomous skill acquisition that provides practical application to their futures. In my spare time I am a gym rat (unfortunately) and I like trying out new sports such as snowboarding which I am currently horrific at but it’s still very fun!  i would love to discuss psychological research or potential career paths with new people, so do drop a message :)

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 am Harry, a first-year student at the University of Leeds, UK. I am currently studying a joint-honours undergraduate degree in Law with Hispanic Law. For my first summer of research, I will be delving into a project titled 'Education for Sustainable Development: Scoping Animal Welfare Legislation and Policy across North Africa and the Gulf'. This project will aim to take a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach as I research into complex problems that have both legal, ethical, and biological levels to it. I am looking forward to expanding my range of knowledge and my networking across studies. Originally from Sussex, I moved to Leeds for university, though have family in Liverpool for a set of familiar faces nearby. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, having played piano for nearly ten years. I particularly enjoy any pop music and anything by ABBA. I have struggled to continue playing whilst being at university, so if anyone has any tips then please get in touch, even if it is just your comfort piece to play! I also enjoy going out with my friends, long hikes in the countryside, and doing my best attempt at cooking. Academically, my love for law and politics began at A Level. My law teacher at sixth form was the key to purusing this as a career; I would not be here today if it weren't for the impact he had on my life. I have participated in subject activities, including the final of the senior mooting competition through my university's Law Society. Even though I didn't win, I enjoyed the chance to participate in competition against peers whilst being judged by solicitors at a law firm in London. I am hoping the coming years of university bring similar chances. I am looking forward to seeing the opportunities and chances the Laidlaw Scholarship affords me. If anyone would like to stay in touch and discuss experiences of university, the Scholarship, or anything in between, feel free to email me at lnsz4031@leeds.ac.uk.

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! 

Hello! I am a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar from the University of Leeds, currently studying Biomedical Science. My research explores the role of alpha-synuclein charge in synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release using mass spectrometry approch. As a naturally curious and interdisciplinary thinker, I’m passionate about learning from diverse perspectives and connecting with others who are driven by purpose, innovation, and leadership—whatever their field may be. I’d love to connect, collaborate, and grow together as part of this dynamic global network.

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.

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.