Distinguished Alumni Award

2020 Distinguished Alumni Award winners Harris Bokhari and Angela Vincent

The Distinguished Alumni Award: Celebrating the long-term achievements of truly outstanding alumni. 

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This award recognises and celebrates outstanding alumni who have demonstrated sustained excellence in their personal and professional achievements, are leaders in their field or have made a substantial impact on society. 

Alumni eligible for this award:

  • Can demonstrate the scale and tangible impact of their work and achievements over a number of years. 
  • Have transformed their field, challenged boundaries or developed innovative solutions. 
  • Have received formal recognition from their peers, industry or community. 
  • Are exemplary role models, inspiring leaders or champions for equality. 
  • Are paving the way for, mentoring and supporting the next generation. 
  • Are influencing change or making a positive impact on society through their professional, voluntary or charitable activities.  

Meet our Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Angela Vincent

Joint 2020 winner Professor Angela Vincent (Westminster Hospital Medical School 1966) has made an outstanding contribution to the field of neuroimmunology through her research. Her work on autoimmune diseases, and the identification of specific auto-antibodies that cause several previously unexplained neurological diseases, is world leading.

Harris Bokhari

Joint 2020 winner Harris Bokhari (BSc Mathematics 1999) has a simple aim in life: to make the world a fairer and better place. He does this through his charities – the Patchwork Foundation and the Naz Legacy Foundation – as well as his work as an advisor to senior figures in the British government.
Nik Kotecha

After coming to the UK as a child refugee, joint 2022 winner Dr Nik Kotecha (PhD Chemistry 1992) had a dream: to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible worldwide. He's the founder of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and the Randal Charitable Foundation, where he improves life for millions by supporting challenges including poverty, mental health and addiction.

Professor Sir Stephen Holgate

2022 winner Professor Sir Stephen Holgate (Medicine 1971) has won global recognition for his enormous contribution to respiratory research, mainly asthma management. His work has impacted individuals and whole societies including a landmark case where air pollution was named as the cause of an asthma sufferer's death. Despite a long and distinguished career, he's not done yet.
Distinguished Alumni Award winner 2023 Stephen Sparks

2023 winner Professor Sir Stephen Sparks (Geology 1971, PhD 1974) is a pioneer in volcanology and an inspiration to the next generation. Not only has his extensive research and fieldwork significantly advanced scientific understanding, Stephen has also advised governments globally on volcanic risk and extended his expertise into areas like epidemiology, radioactive waste management and natural resources.
Yvette Stevens

2021 winner Ambassador Yvette Stevens (MSc Electrical Power Systems and Machines 1974) was once a barefoot girl fetching water. Now she's an international role model. Yvette defeated the odds, followed her passion for science and reached the highest professional rank as Director at the UN. Her story inspires anyone who hears it.