I'm currently studying Mechanical Engineering MEng at Imperial College London. My research summer explored recent advancements in the automotive industry and consisted of attending symposiums, visiting leading automotive testing and research sites in China along with iteratively simulating hot stamping to optimise the sustainability and cost of each part produced. I have built a deep appreciation for the automotive industry, especially for their drive towards long-term sustainability and emphasis on passenger safety.

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!

Hello! :) I'm Ravleen, a 2nd year Pharmacy student at UCL. In the last year, I was introduced to pharmaceutics: a scientific basis for the formulation and manufacture of safe and effective medicines. Even the most effective medicine doesn't work if the patient refuses to take it. A study found that 79% of children stated that the taste of medicine made them unwilling to take it. Moreover, children are commonly unable to swallow neutral tasting pills, which makes dosing them a challenge. For my research project, I explored the development of child-friendly, palatable formulations called orodispersible films using a method called electrospinning. This involved hands-on laboratory work to develop prototype formulations at the UCL School of Pharmacy and interviews with paediatric, oncology patients at Great Ormand Street Hospital to improve the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting. Feel free to reach out!

BSc Philosphy, Politics, and Economics undergraduate student at University College London.

BEng Biochemical Engineering Student at UCL

Hello! My name is Rie (she/her) and I'm a third year at the University of Toronto. I'm majoring in International Relations and Contemporary Asian Studies with a minor in Political Science. My research project for Summer 1 covers contemporary youth protest culture in Japan, investigating why Japanese youths are disengaged and apathetic towards politics. For my LiA I'm volunteering at NLA, an NGO that serves the local refugee community with material support and community-building. Outside of academics my hobbies are art, dancing (I did ballet for 10 years), visiting cafes with friends and binging TV shows :)

Hello, My name is Ema Eguchi and I am an undergraduate student at Georgetown University. I am studying Culture and Politics, with minors in Global Development and Journalism. My research for the Laidlaw Scholars Program is entitled The Role of the Australia Group in US Biosecurity Policy. I am excited to get to know you all and please feel free to reach out if you are also interested in the fields of political and economic development. Outside of school, you can catch me visiting hot springs, cooking, or lying on the beach!

Hello! I am Yuka Atsuchi. I am from Japan and studying Natural Sciences (Biosciences, Geography and Earth Sciences) at Durham University. My strong passion is to create a more sustainable environment for both humans and wildlife. I am specialising in environmental issues and climate change through interdisciplinary approaches in Natural Sciences with strong research and field skills from work experience. My main focus in research and future aspiration is "empirical and effective implementation of rewilding conservation projects to various landscapes". For my first-year summer project, I am going to evaluate and create a plan for Durham University Wildland to initiate reintroduction projects. Then I would like to spread the knowledge and conservation practices to other countries such as Japan. About myself... I was bone in Japan and I lived in Yokohama until High School in Japan. After winning a scholarship from the Japanese Foundation, I started studying in the UK in sixth-form. I am a big fun of wildlife and adventure to wider nature! I enjoy trail running, bird watching, gardening & Allotment, hiking and horse riding. I would like to expand my network and share thoughts with you! LinkedIn Yuka Atsuchi

Hello! I'm Yoshino, a third-year student majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I love learning languages, travelling and meeting new people :)

Aki is an education entrepreneur, where her startup has worked closely with 5,000 children and parents. She is passionate about delivering quality education and improving gender equality beyond cultures. She holds a master’s degree in public administration at Harvard Kennedy School; bachelor’s degree in law from Peking University; Fulbright scholar, enthusiastic tennis player, and enjoys playing the piano.

Hello! I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University. My home is Brooklyn, New York. I am interested in using architecture to tell stories about people and place.

Koto Nakajima