Hello! I’m Ayaan, a first-year MEng Biochemical Engineering student at University College London, driven by a curiosity for how science and engineering can be harnessed to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges — from climate change to food insecurity to ethical innovation in healthcare. As a Laidlaw Scholar, my research dives into the world of cultivated meat — a frontier that aims to redefine how we produce and consume animal protein. I’m exploring how plant-based scaffolds made from alginate and pectin can be engineered to support muscle cell alignment and tissue development, helping bring structured, slaughter-free meat closer to scalable reality. Under the supervision of Dr. Petra Hanga, I’ll be working with hydrogel fabrication, cell culture, and image analysis to optimise scaffold design — all with the goal of building more ethical, sustainable food systems. Outside the lab, I’m President of UCL’s Biotechnology & Synthetic Biology Society, where I lead initiatives connecting students to cutting-edge research, industry experts, and the growing bioeconomy. From launching our upcoming podcast to organising our first Synthetic Biology Conference, I love building platforms that help others engage with the science shaping our future. Service is a key part of who I am. Each week, I volunteer at the Charing Cross Food Bank, helping support vulnerable communities through hands-on food distribution. It’s a constant reminder of why science should serve society — not just through innovation, but through direct impact. When I’m not in a lab or planning the next event, you’ll probably find me out for a run, playing a few intense sets of badminton, or exploring hidden corners of London in search of underrated cafés and green spaces. I’m a lifelong Arsenal fan, which has taught me some of life’s most valuable lessons: character building through near-misses, resilience in the face of last-minute heartbreak, and grit while surrounded by friends who support literally any other club and never let me hear the end of it. I’m especially interested in the intersection of biotech, sustainability, and policy, and hope to one day contribute to a world where scientific innovation is deeply rooted in equity and access. If you’re working on something exciting in food tech, biotech, or community-driven science — or just want to chat about CRISPR or the Champions League — feel free to reach out: ayaan.a.shah@gmail.com. Always up for a good conversation.

👋 Hi there, my name is Georgina. I am a Laidlaw Alumni and a graduate from University College London. It's a pleasure to meet you!

Hi! My name is Sam (he/him) and I am from the UK. I am in my first year of studying Arts and Sciences BASc at UCL, majoring in Engineering and minoring in Cultures. My Laidlaw research focuses on understanding the emotional experiences of students in university education under different teaching methods and assessment formats. By providing a platform for students to authentically voice their opinions, I hope to make actionable recommendations through my project that will enhance the university learning experience and ultimately improve student satisfaction.  In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar, going on runs with friends, and visiting new places. I am very grateful to be part of the Laidlaw programme and I would love to connect with other scholars, so please feel free to get in touch!

Amy is the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme. She works with universities, NGO’s, government departments, businesses and charity partners to manage and develop programmes which further the Laidlaw Foundation’s purpose – to reduce poverty and inequality by investing in the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented and to develop a new generation of diverse and ethical leaders.   Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation, Amy spent 9 years leading the US-UK Fulbright Scholarship Programme, working with students, academics, professionals, and teachers across every discipline. She has gained 15+ years working within Higher Education and is passionate about cultural exchange and the benefits it can bring to impactful research and solving global challenges. Prior to this, she led faculty-led programmes hosting US students in the UK and managed a busy student services. She studied American Studies at Sheffield University and University of Pittsburgh.  

Hello hello, I am a 3rd year undergrad at Trinity Hall, Cambridge studying manufacturing engineering. I am hugely passionate about sustainability and what changes can we make to the built environment to reduce our impact and preserve our world for generations to come. From our mobility to our dwellings, our food, and our clothes I am fascinated by the changes we can make to tackle the climate crisis and leave the world in a better place than we found it. (It would also help if BP didn't dump countless barrels of oil in the sea too, I guess). We urgently need to set about fixing the damage that has been done to our environment, promote social mobility, bring greater circularity into our economic thinking, and strengthen our democratic institutions while restoring public trust in our processes. Simultaneously we could also do with just trying to relax a little bit. I think about otters a lot. Not like an unreasonable amount, but it makes me smile when I do and it gets me through the day. I have a dog called Rufus. He's a very cheeky boy and I love him dearly even though he has gotten very good at stealing food off unsuspecting picnicers who believe he's just coming to say hi and get some strokes. Please do drop me a message if you would like some photos.

Hi! Having previously been a Laidlaw Undergraduate Scholar studying English Literature at UCL, I am now the Marketing Manager of the Laidlaw Foundation.  My research looked at collaborative and innovative practices in academic publishing, and community building is something I built a passion for during my Leadership in Action. Feel free to reach out or connect with me!

Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over five years, working to strengthen our global Scholar community and amplify the impact of our programmes. My work lives somewhere between design, education, and anthropology, usually with sticky notes involved. I studied Human Sciences as an undergrad and am currently doing a Master’s in Anthropology at UCL. Degrees I struggle to explain at parties. Born and raised in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Outside of work? Probably in the ceramics studio, wandering aimlessly with a podcast in my ears, attempting a handstand, or watching far too much TV. Big fan of nature and very small bugs.

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.