John Cooper QC has represented the majority of the bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Inquiry. He is responsible for examining and exposing evidence to provide an explanation for the tragedy that occurred and recommendations to ensure the future safety of people attending large-scale public events.

Throughout his work, he displayed the utmost sensitivity support and understanding to the bereaved families, helping them through this traumatic and difficult process. In particular, he worked closely with Figen Murray in relation to her Martyn's Law Campaign, which champions the introduction of duties incumbent upon public venues when looking after people who attend them.

Following his graduation, Abdulaziz Alsaeed (PhD in Computer Science, 2015) co-founded the social learning platform Noon, a social learning platform that allows students to study with friends in groups, compete with one another and learn from top tutors in their live classes.

Launched in 2013 with just two tutors and less than 30 students, Noon has served more than 18 million students and has 1,500 certified tutors across Asia and Africa.

Bridget Stratford MBE (BSc Hons Psychology, 2017) has almost single-handedly brought North East Solidarity and Teaching (N.E.S.T) from a small student run club to an established charity that is recognised nationally for its work supporting the refugee and asylum-seeking community in Newcastle.

Under Bridget’s leadership, N.E.S.T provides English language tuition and gives people seeking asylum a sense of community, assisting them with things critical to success in the UK. She has helped thousands of families who have arrived to the UK settle and become accepted.

During the pandemic, Bridget ensured families had necessary supplies and food, and even pulled together donated gifts for children. She has built partnerships with other organisations and universities to expand the model created at Newcastle, which is now being implemented across the country.

Sarah Grant (Business Administration and Management, 2011) is an inspiring entrepreneur and pioneer in healthcare recruitment. Through her start-up, My Healthcare Recruit, she has worked tirelessly to staff frontline work during the Covid-19 pandemic, deploying over 750 nurses who have been able to make a real difference to UK healthcare when it was most needed.

Dr Melesse Temesgen (MSc Agricultural Engineering, 1987) has effectively applied the scientific theory he learnt at Newcastle University to invent new technologies that solved the problems of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aybar Engineering PLC, which invents and manufactures new agricultural implements for sale.

New for 2021, this category recognises alumni who have made a real difference in combatting the virus in the past year, from frontline workers and researchers to teachers and heads of business.

The 25 inspirational people shortlisted in this category have made a real difference not just in the UK, but across the world. The University agreed that it would be impossible to choose just one winner in this category, and instead all 25 were highly commended and celebrated on the night.

Read more about the alumni shortlisted >

Dylan (Computer Science, 2017) is a young entrepreneur, influencer and ambassador of the North East Start-up. He’s involved in the digital and tech sectors with a growing national profile. 

Dylan's multi award-winning business ‘Nebula Labs’ offers innovative digital solutions focused on health, wellbeing, travel and tourism. Nebula Labs’ mission is to solve problems that apply to real-life scenarios, creating change through applied technology.

Within 12 months of starting up, Nebula Labs won ‘Best New Business’ at the local Dynamites Awards in 2018. In February 2020 they won the Digital Technology Award at the North East Business Awards. In 2019, The Journal named Dylan one of '35 under 35s to watch in the North East'. He is currently 24. 

Dylan is ambitious, with big plans to grow into the global market. He is active in encouraging the next generation of developers and innovators. This includes making regular guest appearances at Newcastle University to encourage and inspire students. Through Nebula Labs he continues to be heavily involved in projects that champion and further the North East.

Colin graduated with a PhD in 2006. Since then, he has had an enormous impact on the automotive industry in the North East. Colin is now a leading advocate for the UK’s shift to low carbon transport.

Over the last twelve years, Colin has worked tirelessly to support the UK’s transition to electric cars. Following a 17-year career with Nissan Manufacturing, he joined the Regional Development Agency (One North East) in 2007. 

Colin went on to form Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF), a not-for-profit subsidiary of Gateshead College. ZCF advises cities and local authorities across the UK on the transition away from fossil-fuelled vehicles. 

Colin continues to shape regional innovation policy. He is an active member of:

• North East Automotive Alliance
• North East LEP innovation board
• IET manufacturing policy panel

Colin has also kept close ties with Newcastle University, where he is a Guest Lecturer. In recognition of his successful career, Colin became a CBE in 2018 for services to business and renewable energy.

Maria (Strategic Planning and Investment, 2011) is a champion of women in finance. She's a member of several industry boards. Maria has kept a strong bond with Newcastle University Business School, repeatedly giving her time as a guest speaker. She also inspires and advises our postgraduate students.

Maria's aim is to help students on finance PGT programmes with guidance on careers in the capital. She focuses on trying to encourage more women to join the financial services industry.

Theo (Genetics, 1994) is one of the co-founders of the social enterprise SciCo. SciCo combats scientific illiteracy and promotes interactive STEM education. Throughout Theo’s academic career, he gained scholarships and awards, as well as publishing several peer-reviewed papers.

Through SciCo, Theo established a series of annual science festivals. These serve as a networking opportunity for schools, NGOs and companies. He has also co-created an interactive digital video-making platform called School-lab. Schoolchildren in various European countries now use the platform.

Through the impact of his work, Theo has achieved many accolades. These include becoming:

• President of the Onassis Scholars Association
• winner of the ASHOKA Impact Programme
• a nominee of the UNESCO Kalinga Science Popularisation Award