President’s Prize winners 2023

The Institute of Biomedical Science sponsors an annual prize of £100 plus a certificate for one student graduating from a university offering an IBMS Accredited BSc (Hons) degree program in biomedical science who has achieved high academic distinction.

The President’s Prize recipients for 2023 are:

• Abertay University: Olivia Morgan
• Anglia Ruskin University: Andreea-Mirela Haraga
• Aston University: Aimee Clyne
• Atlantic Technological University: Cindy Chong
• University of Bedfordshire: Tanzina Razzaque
• University of Bradford: Rebecca Zephyr
• University of Brighton: Emily Dalmon
• University of Central Lancashire: Toluwani Folarin
• De Montfort University: Raeesa Patel
• University of Essex: Zoe Anthony
• Glasgow Caledonian University: Mya Kelly
• University of Greenwich: Murshida Islam
• University of Hertfordshire: Mohamed Patel
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: U Kwun Wan Ng
• University of Hull: Sarah Shodunke
• International Medical University: Lee Qi Long
• Keele University: Samia Ibrar
• Kingston University: Craig Chipfuwamiti
• Leeds Beckett University: Goncalo Martinho Rodrigues
• Liverpool John Moores University: Ellie Harland
• Manchester Metropolitan University: Nabeeha Attique
• Oxford Brookes University: Mathyruban Selvaratnam
• University of Plymouth: Rebecca Brittain
• University of Portsmouth: Daniel Quizon
• Robert Gordon University: Erin McInally
• University of Roehampton: Katherine Rose Birditt
• University of Salford: Rachel Gowrie
• Sheffield Hallam University: Grace English
• Staffordshire University: Julia Banciu
• University of Strathclyde: Pascale Rae
• University of Surrey: Helen Iroanya
• Ulster University: Rebecca McKeown
• University of the West of Scotland: Chloe Currue
• University of Worcester: Sophie Smith
• York St John University: Thomas Ketley

Tanzina Razzaque, University of Bedfordshire (pictured in headline image) said: 

"Studying Biomedical Science at the University of Bedfordshire was an enriching experience and has significantly deepened my passion for understanding the intricacies of the human body.

I am immensely grateful to have received the IBMS President’s Prize, which is a testament to my individual achievement and a reflection of my unwavering support from my lecturers, peers and family. Receiving this award has reinforced my commitment to significantly contribute to the biomedical science field"

 

Mya Kelly, University of Brighton said:

"I am so grateful to have been awarded the IBMS President’s Prize 2023. My degree has not come without its struggles, but after graduating from the University of Brighton with first-class honours and becoming a registered and practising Biomedical Scientist at University Hospitals Sussex, I can now say it was all worth it. 

Being awarded the prize has taught me never to doubt my abilities and to always aim high. I hope this stands me in great stead for my future career. I want to thank those at the University of Brighton and University Hospitals Sussex for their support over the past few years, as I would not be where I am now without them."

 

Daniel Quizon, University of Portsmouth said:

 

"Winning the IBMS President's Prize is incredibly meaningful to me. It reflects my dedication, perseverance, and passion for biomedical science.

This recognition not only signifies the culmination of my hard work but also serves as a testament to my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the field of biomedical science. It has empowered me to pursue ambitious goals with determination."

 

Toluwani Folarin, University of Central Lancashire said:

"I was so honoured to receive the IBMS President's prize and felt like all my hard work in university had paid off. I will forever remain grateful to God, my family, friends and lecturers for supporting me throughout my studies. Receiving this award has acted as a confirmation for pursuing a career in biomedical or clinical sciences.

Receiving this award has pushed me to pursue a career in related healthcare science fields. I hope to undergo my training in the near future to begin practicing as a biomedical scientist."

Nabeeha Attique, Manchester Metropolitan University said:

"I am immensely grateful to have been awarded the IBMS President's Prize and have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying Biomedical Science.
I have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills from my time studying Biomedical Science at MMU that I will continue to utilise in my Ph.D. studies focusing on chronic pain and public health policy at the University of Aberdeen. "

Emily Dalmon, University of Brighton said:

"I am so grateful to have been awarded the IBMS President’s Prize 2023. My degree has not come without its struggles, but after graduating from the University of Brighton with first-class honours and becoming a registered and practicing Biomedical Scientist at University Hospitals Sussex, I can now say it was all worth it.

Being awarded the prize has taught me to never doubt my abilities and to always aim high. I would like to thank those at the University of Brighton and University Hospitals Sussex for their support over the past few years, as I would not be where I am now without them."

Raeesa Patel, De Montfort University said:

"Receiving the President’s prize has been a big achievement. I would flick through pages of the Biomedical Scientist magazine fascinated by the ongoing research and technology in development, hoping one day I could be a part of that.
Receiving the President’s prize has given me confidence in my abilities as a biomedical scientist in haematology for NHS University Hospitals Leicester. I would like to thank both the IBMS and De Montfort University for this prize."

Mohamed T Patel, University of Hertfordshire said:

"Receiving this recognition and winning the President's Prize means more than words can express. It's a validation that resonates deeply. I'm embarking on a Ph.D. journey in biomedical engineering, this achievement has become a cornerstone.
It's boosted my confidence and served as a testament to what I've learned and absorbed from my discipline. This recognition hasn't just impacted my present; it's shaping my future."

Katie Birditt, University of Roehampton said:

"This award is a reflection of all the hard work I put into my undergraduate degree and I am so grateful for the acknowledgement. It means so much to the Zimbabwean girl who left everything she knew to move to London. My time studying has been rewarding in ways I could never have expected.

I did not intend to pursue laboratory research, but after interning in dementia, cancer, and microbiology laboratories, I discovered my passion for neurodegenerative disease research. I am currently undertaking a fully funded MPhil at the University of Cambridge, and hope to continue exploring my interests in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease."

Tom Kettley said, York St John University:

"I was absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious prize as I really enjoyed my time studying Biomedical Science at York St John University, where I achieved first-class honours. I’m grateful for all the support I received from staff and peers along the way.

During this period, I took a particular interest in the Clinical Genetics module and, more specifically, Genetic/Genomic Counselling. I have been very fortunate and managed to secure a place at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on the NHS scientist training programme (STP Genomic Counselling) that began in September, and I hope to become a fully qualified Genomic Counsellor.

This award has inspired me to continue to push myself and strive to achieve my best in the future."

 

Rachel Gowrie, University of Salford said: 

“I am very proud to have received the IBMS President's Award for The University of Salford. It is a great recognition for the hard work and dedication I have shown throughout my studies.

I was determined to prove my self-doubts wrong when I started my degree, and I am delighted to have graduated with a first-class degree and the President's Prize for distinction. I am keen to progress my career as a Biomedical Scientist further, developing my skills and knowledge within microbiology whilst completing my IBMS specialist portfolio in the near future."

 

Grace English, Sheffield Hallam University said:

"Receiving the President's Prize is a huge honour and means that I can continue my studies with the IBMS specialist portfolio! Thank you to all those at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for the support along the way."

Olivia Morgan, Abertay University said:

"This award means a lot to me. It is the culmination of the hard work that I have put into my degree and the incredible support of those around me throughout this time.

I am eternally grateful for being recognised, and it has allowed me to see once again, how fortunate I am to be in the field of Biomedical Science and to work alongside some of the most dedicated and kind people. This award has provided more motivation for me to continue my journey in researching and teaching Biomedical Science to future scientists."

Cindy Chong, Atlantic Technological University said:

"I am honoured to receive the IBMS President's Prize, a testament to my dedication to earning a first-class BSc (Hon) in Medical Science. This award serves not only as a testament to my academic journey but as a celebration of the countless hours of hard work and unwavering support from my family, mentors, and peers. 

Receiving the President's Prize has added a profound layer to my journey, affirming that I possess the ability to make a substantial impact in this field." 

Congratulations to all the recipients.   

For more information about the President’s Prize, see the IBMS.