Global Alumni Awards winners 2023 attending a networking and celebration event at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham in May 2024

Celebrating the achievements of alumni worldwide

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Alumni Awards shine a light on the impact that alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen field and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK.

The British Council has launched the 11th year of a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni around the world.

The Study UK Alumni Awards are open to alumni living anywhere outside of the UK. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries. The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and raise the international profile of UK alumni and their former universities.

The awards are open to alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have within the last 15 years (i.e. 2009–2024) enrolled at an officially recognised body or received a recognised award from a UK higher education institution (HEI), at degree level or above (degree level is defined as band nine and above on the UK ENIC band framework), either at a UK university in the UK, for a minimum of one term or semester, OR awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), awarded by a recognised UK HEI, in their home country (transnational education – TNE/long distance).

Award categories

There are four award categories:

Science and Sustainability Award – Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession and beyond.

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to, climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction.

Culture and Creativity Award – Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity.

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to, arts, design, humanities, traditional media, music, video, TV, sports and online content and audiovisual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media).

Social Action Award – Recognising alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to, education, peace and justice and reducing inequality, poverty and hunger and broader humanitarian work or work for social good.

Business and Innovation Award – Recognising alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth.

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship, business, technology and finance.

Timeline

1 September 2024 Applications open
28 October 2024 Applications close at 17.00 (UK time)
October – November 2024 Shortlisting of applications
December 2024 – January 2025 Announcement of Uzbekistan national-level finalists
29 January 2025 Announcement of Uzbekistan national-level winners and awards ceremony
April – August 2025 Global finalist announcement and digital celebration
August 2025 Global Alumni Awards winners announced

Applications open on 1 September 2024 and close on 28 October 2024. Finalists and winners from countries hosting national awards and all eligible applicants from countries not hosting national awards will be put forward for the global Alumni Awards.

The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2025 and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. Winners of the global awards will be celebrated on a global scale and invited to the UK to re-connect with their universities, meet with the Study UK stakeholders and to support the ongoing development of their careers.

Finalists

Science and Sustainability Award

Akbarbek Bakhodirov | University of Sussex

Akbarbek Bakhodirov is the Head of the Strategic Planning Division at Uzbekneftegaz joint-stock company, where he oversees strategic initiatives to drive Uzbekistan’s energy sector forward. His expertise in international business and development helps bridge global best practices with local innovation, fostering economic growth and enhancing the country’s energy independence. Akbarbek reflects that studying at the University of Sussex gave him a global outlook, critical analytical skills and the ability to navigate complex, interconnected economic systems. The diverse academic environment and real-world applications made his educational experience transformative. Akbarbek’s contributions are helping Uzbekistan make strides in sustainable energy development and promoting international collaboration to address global energy challenges.

Munira Begmuratova | Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)

Munira Begmuratova is a Senior Software Engineer and Community Leader at Toptal, a prestigious global network of top 3 per cent IT talent. She is an active speaker at both local and international events, where she promotes IT and entrepreneurship among young people. Driven by her aspiration to study in an environment that fosters independence and critical thinking, Munira chose Westminster International University in Tashkent, which she felt was the only institution that aligned with her values and ambitions. Looking ahead, Munira aims to launch her own start-up. Along her journey, she is committed to supporting others in realising their entrepreneurial dreams.

Mushtariy Khamidullaeva | Cardiff Metropolitan University

As an English teacher and teacher trainer in Uzbekistan, Mushtariy Khamidullaeva works to empower educators by introducing innovative, learner-centred methodologies. Through her collaboration with the British Council and participation in national educational projects, she has supported the professional development of over 200 teachers, enhancing their classroom practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her efforts aim to create engaging and effective learning environments for students, ultimately contributing to the advancement of English language education in her country. By equipping teachers with modern tools and strategies, she strives to make a lasting impact on education at both local and national levels. Her UK education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, through Westminster International College, was transformative due to its emphasis on critical thinking, independent learning and cross-cultural collaboration. This unique experience broadened Mushtariy’s perspective and empowered her to implement innovative teaching practices in her community. She aims to further expand teacher training initiatives in Uzbekistan, focusing on fostering inclusive, innovative and learner-centred educational practices. Her goal is to empower both educators and students to thrive in dynamic and diverse learning environments. By creating sustainable programmes, she hopes to contribute to the long-term development of education in her country.

Culture and Creativity Award

Alexandra Lee | University of Sunderland

Alexandra Lee is a brand manager for a local FMCG company that produces snacks. Her creation of new products is an innovation for Uzbekistan in the snack segment and also helps elevate the snack industry to a new level and provides an opportunity to introduce people in Uzbekistan to new snack products. Alexandra feels that her education at Sunderland University equipped her with important skills such as thinking outside the box, working with software programmes, and always exploring and paying attention to details. These skills have allowed her to contribute to the promotion and creation of new snack products. Alexandra believes that her next step is to further improve her marketing skills, which will help her create more innovations in her professional work, as well as in the fashion industry.

Sirojiddin Olimov | University of Edinburgh

Sirojiddin Olimov is the CEO of Mutolaa, Central Asia’s leading platform for audiobooks and eBooks, serving over million users. He is an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. The university is distinctive because of its emphasis on critical thinking, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, which helped Sirojiddin shape his approach to entrepreneurship and problem-solving. The university’s unique environment inspired him to create impactful initiatives such as Mutolaa, which bridges global ideas with local culture. He aims to expand Mutolaa’s reach globally by introducing innovative AI solutions for audiobook creation, translating Uzbek literature into multiple languages and bringing bestsellers to Uzbek readers.

Aziza Pulatova | Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)

Aziza Pulatova is a multidisciplinary producer and artist shaping the creative landscape of Uzbekistan. A graduate of Westminster International University in Tashkent with a degree in Business Administration, she is the co-founder and Executive Producer of MOC, a cultural organisation driving the development of the independent arts sector. She is also the founder and producer of Hendrix Films, specialising in commercial video and independent cinema production. Aziza has produced films for major international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (2022, 2024) and documenta fifteen (2022, Kassel, Germany), and contributed to the design of the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2021). As Executive Producer of MOCFEST, Uzbekistan’s first independent ‘festival of festivals’ and STIHIA Festival, held in the Aral Sea region, Aziza integrates music, art and environmental advocacy to address ecological and cultural issues. She also leads educational initiatives to develop creative talent and inspire the next generation of artists and professionals. In addition to her production work, Aziza is an independent artist creating mixed-media installations that explore innovative forms of expression.

Social Action Award

Azizbek Toyirov | University of Glasgow

Since earning his degree in International Law from the University of Glasgow, Azizbek has been actively contributing to the development of legal education and international trade law in Uzbekistan. As a senior lecturer at Tashkent State University of Law (TSUL), he specialised in WTO Law, International Economic Law and International Trade Law. His career has also been dedicated to preparing TSUL teams for prestigious international moot court competitions such as the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition and the Asian Cup. Through these efforts, TSUL has achieved unprecedented success on the global stage, placing among the best teams internationally and elevating Central Asia’s presence in these arenas. Studying at the University of Glasgow profoundly shaped his career trajectory. The programme equipped him with critical analytical skills, a deep understanding of international legal frameworks and the ability to approach complex legal challenges with scholarly rigor. These skills have been instrumental in his ability to lead academic initiatives, contribute to policy discussions and mentor the next generation of legal professionals in Uzbekistan. His UK education also fostered adaptability and a global perspective, enabling him to bridge the gap between international legal standards and Uzbekistan’s evolving legal landscape.

Gulnaz Bektemirova | Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)

Director of Student Support Services (WIUT), Gulnaz Bektemirova was appointed Director of Student Support Services at WIUT in 2018. In this role, Gulnaz has led on the reforms in student affairs, development and co-ordination of a range of student support services, including most recently diversity and inclusion support. Prior to this, over the past 15 years at WIUT she has held the roles of the Deputy Dean on Learning, Course Leader and Lecturer in Business Studies.

Orzugul Goyibova | University of Bristol

Orzugul Goyibova is the project manager of the Top100 Uni project under the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Orzugul’s responsibilities are organising TopUni summer camps, admissions bootcamps for youngsters in remote areas of the country, mentoring them on how to get into Top 100 universities in the world. Orzugul is also a founder of the women empowerment project Porla, where she is working on launching freelancing courses with experts. Orzugul feels that her academic journey at the University of Bristol equipped her with experiences and skills such as critical thinking, educational policy analysis, leadership and management that she can apply in her professional life. Orzugul is now working on the TopCoach online mentorship platform that connects Uzbek students who study at top universities and young people, especially those who live in remote areas and who cannot access reliable information about admissions.

Business and Innovation Award

Elena Kholina | London Business School

Elena Kholina is the Group Head of Legal and Compliance at Enera, where she leads legal innovation across sectors such as mining, energy and finance in Central Asia. Her UK education at Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the London Business School (LBS) equipped her with interdisciplinary insights to address complex global challenges. From spearheading modernisation efforts at Navoi Mining and Metals to structuring transformative public-private partnerships, her strategic leadership drives sustainable economic growth in Uzbekistan and beyond. She aims to continue fostering development through impactful projects, leveraging her education to strengthen governance, attract investment and create value for communities across emerging markets.

Munojat Sultonova | Birkbeck, University of London

Munojat Sultonova is a PhD researcher and a trailblazing entrepreneur in the field of education in Fergana, Uzbekistan. As the founder of the London English Academy, Munojat actively works to empower young learners and adults, fostering a culture of growth, learning and opportunity in Uzbekistan. Her efforts aim not only at teaching English but also at shaping a brighter future for Uzbekistan through education. Munojat observes that Birkbeck, University of London provided her with a rigorous academic environment, an emphasis on research and opportunities to collaborate with international scholars. Through her efforts, Munojat is shaping a future where education empowers communities, transforms lives and drives sustainable development.

Shakhboz Ibodullaev | Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)

Shakhboz Ibodullaev is a Trade Advisor at the Department for Business and Trade, British Embassy in Tashkent, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic and trade relations between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. He has successfully facilitated high-impact projects, including a landmark £12 million UK Export Finance deal for Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Company, marking the first-ever UK Export Finance-backed transaction in Uzbekistan. Previously, as a Head of Investor Relations at SQB, Shakhboz contributed to the first-ever Eurobond issuance in Uzbekistan’s banking sector, raising $300 million and attracting the first green financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to the amount of $25 million to finance green and sustainable projects and more. His efforts supported the country’s financial sector development and enhanced its reputation in international capital markets. Through his expertise in trade and finance, Shakhboz supports the growth of Uzbek businesses, encourages foreign investment and contributes to the country’s integration into the global economy.

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