Outstanding Contribution to Brunel Award: Donna-Marie Holder
Donna-Marie Holder (BA Education, 2019)
After graduating, she studied an MA at UCL. Still, she continued to offer her time, expertise and personal experiences to students in Brunel’s BA Education programme and has been committed to supporting new students on the programme ever since. She is a strong advocate for Brunel and the student voice. Without her insight and support, the programme would not be what it is today.
Outstanding Contribution to Science & Engineering Award: Dr Julie Davies
Dr Julie Davies (BSc Biomedical Sciences, 2010, PhD in Biosciences, 2014)
After completing both her BSc in Biosciences and a PhD on neuropeptides in Alzheimer's disease at Brunel, with part of her thesis published in Scientific Reports. She progressed through roles at the University of Oxford and GE Healthcare, contributing significantly to drug discovery and COVID-19 research, and in 2022, became Global Head of Nonclinical Development for GE Healthcare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics.
Outstanding Contribution to Culture & Creativity Award: Damson Idris
Damson Idris (BA Drama, Television & Film Studies, 2013)
Since graduating, Damson Idris has become one of his generation's most promising actors, crediting Brunel as for sparking the idea to be an actor. Leading in the hit FX TV show 'Snowfall' alongside starring in 'Black Mirror', 'Outside the Wire' and many more. He'll also be featuring alongside Brad Pitt in a leading role as an F1 driver, to be released in 2025.
Outstanding Contribution to Society Award: Dr Nadia Al-Aboody
Dr Nadia Al-Aboody (PhD Electrical Engineering & Electronics Research, 2017)
Nadia began helping children learn to code while studying at Brunel, volunteering at Oak Farm library, and upon returning to Iraq, she started the first Code Club in Maysan, training 20 female trainers. During COVID, she moved her efforts online, supporting Iraqi and refugee children with coding training and helping teachers with online education tools, later building a facility in Maysan for safe and creative learning. She now works with the Iraqi Prime Minister to expand coding and AI clubs across the country.
Outstanding Contribution to Business Award: Moses Aregbesola
Moses Aregbesola (BSc Business and Management, 2022)
Founded in 2021, in my university accommodation, TBV Productions rapidly expanded internationally, collaborating with global superstars, touring successfully, and creating intimate off-camera content of artists. When collecting his award he said: "I'm grateful I chose Brunel and I'm so glad Brunel chose me."
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Simon Gill
Dr Simon Gill (BSc Industrial Design, 1991) - posthumous award accepted by alumni Robin Dunlop and Tom Hostler
Inquisitive about everything, especially if brand new, Simon would immerse himself completely until the new and unknown was transformed into a new skill. Simon studied BSc Industrial Design at Brunel University’s Runnymede campus where he thrived, graduating in 1991 with first-class honours. Next, he completed a PhD in Multimedia Design. Simon was a pioneer in the digital media world. Sadly, Simon passed away on November 21st 2023, his friends and family honoured him saying he was "proudly born in Yorkshire, but made in Brunel."
Rising Star Award: Dr Sahil Datta
Dr Sahil Datta (MSc Advanced Electronic & Electrical Engineering, 2016, and PhD Electronics and Computer Engineering Research, 2021)
Recognised as a Global Talent by the UK government, developed innovative machine learning algorithms during his PhD to aid motor disability patients using brain-computer interface technology, co-founded PsychoTec to advance AI solutions for mental health, and later joined Pearson as a Data Scientist to create personalized learning pathways, while also earning accolades for interdisciplinary research in AI-assisted mental health diagnosis.
Alumni Advisory Board Award: Chidumaga Unachukwu
Chidumaga Unachukwu (MSc Renewable Energy Engineering, 2019)
A dedicated and inspirational climate leader with degrees in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and Renewable Energy Engineering, founded the pioneering clean energy business EXERGIE, achieving significant growth and impact across Sub-Saharan Africa, receiving numerous accolades including the British Council 2024 Award for "Business & Innovation".