Saving orangutans and filming Netflix masterpieces: Meet these incredible University of Portsmouth students
Winners of 2026 Student Impact Awards revealed in glittering night at Fratton Park
A student who has protected orangutans in Borneo, a graduate who supports vulnerable community members and a cinematographer who filmed Netflix’s award-winning series Adolescence were celebrated at the Student Impact Awards.
Organised by the University of Portsmouth and the Students’ Union, the awards recognised students and alumni for their impact on local, national, and global initiatives including volunteering, research, fundraising and launching new businesses, often on top of their studies or full time work.
Vice-Chancellor Graham Galbraith said: ‘The awards celebrate the positive impact the University’s students and alumni continue to have on Portsmouth and beyond, recognising and reaffirming the university’s commitment to leading positive change at every level. I continue to be inspired by our students and alumni who give back to their communities in incredible ways.’
A total of 14 awards were handed out at a glittering evening at Fratton Park. To add a special touch, the awards were designed by second year BA (Hons) Architecture student Ranad Almajed and reflected the city’s skyline, history and this year’s centenary. A prototype was then made by the university's Technical Resources team based in the Eldon 3D Workshop and the final creations used sustainable material - including reclaimed timber from old wood-working benches first used in 1968 in university workshops.
The awards were sponsored by construction and property development company Strepnell. Director Robert Speirs said: ‘At Stepnell, ‘investing in the future’ isn’t just a slogan - it’s a core part of how we operate. For many of us at Stepnell, this support is personal. We all have children of our own, so we truly understand the unique pressures and excitement that come with university life today. We know that the University of Portsmouth is a fantastic place to learn and grow, and we feel genuinely inspired by the ambition of the next generation.’
Meet the Student Impact Award Winners 2026
John Ryder
Alumni Impact Award
John has dedicated more than 20 years to community leadership and advocacy, founding Climb Nova Consultancy and supporting the work of ECASS - an early intervention initiative providing funded professional training, therapy, and support for children with speech and language needs. John has also helped raise significant funds for local causes that support vulnerable individuals and strengthen community services across Portsmouth.
Fidelia Fidel-Turray
Arts and Culture Impact Award
Fidelia is President of the Afro-Fusion Dance Society and has played a leading role in building an inclusive creative community at the university, using dance to foster confidence, cultural celebration and connection across the city. Through performances, community outreach and events such as the student-led Pride & Power 2025 Black History Month celebration, she has expanded the society’s impact beyond campus.
Ryan Diboll
Degree Apprenticeship Impact Award
Ryan has played a key role in major infrastructure projects demonstrating strong technical ability and professional growth while balancing work and study. Alongside his project contributions, he has supported organisational development by mentoring junior apprentices, delivering peer training sessions and actively contributing to his team’s success.
Joseph Eguavoen
Diversity Impact Award
An Afrobeat, hip-hop and R&B artist, Joseph has performed at platforms like Word of Mouth and Pamodzi’s Black History Month events. Beyond music, he supports community initiatives such as Basketball4Buckland and cultural workshops. As founder of Coast Clear, he creates opportunities for emerging artists through showcases and mentoring.
Luca Frederick
Luca founded LocalLinked, an app that connects students with local businesses, charities and community opportunities across Portsmouth. Through this platform, he has helped strengthen connections between students and the city, increasing visibility for local organisations while encouraging community engagement and volunteering. Luca was named Young Apprentice of the Year at this year’s News Business Awards.
Laura Saunders
Global Impact Award
Laura has developed an innovative release-readiness assessment method for rehabilitated sun bears and orangutans in Borneo, helping conservation centres to improve post-release survival. Through extensive field research, collaboration with conservation organisations and the publication of her findings, her work has contributed directly to global conservation efforts.
Luke Basford
Health and Wellbeing Impact Award
Luke is the founder of Solumnova, a mental health-focused startup aimed at improving access to support and encouraging open conversations among young people. Luke has also led creative wellbeing activities within the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union to foster supportive spaces that promote connection and reduce stigma around mental health.
Anna Kennewell
Placement Impact Award
During her placement with Virgin Media O2, Anna demonstrated exceptional initiative by designing and delivering an automated roadmap tool to replace a previously manual process. Her innovation has improved efficiency and data accuracy while her professionalism and stakeholder management have made a lasting impact on the organisation.
Nadine Awad
Research Impact Award
Nadine’s research explores the under-examined relationship between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and fibromyalgia, addressing a significant gap in understanding chronic illness and its impact on patients living with long-term pain and fatigue. Nadine’s work has already helped individuals feel heard and has the potential to inform improved care pathways.
Holly Griffin
Rising Star Impact Award
Holly has championed career development and inclusive workplace practices and led wellbeing programmes at her firm which have driven significant and lasting workplace change. Holly has also signed her firm up to national pledges such as Disability Confident and the Care Leavers Covenant and mentored students from the University’s legal clinic.
El Roberts and Helena Woolley
Student Achievement Impact Award
El and Helena founded The Illustration Society and built an inclusive, cross-disciplinary space with weekly arts activities which support creativity and wellbeing. Their leadership strengthened connections across courses and built a cohesive community. They organised events, secured funding and empowered students to lead activities and develop their own employability skills.
Maria Xuereb
Sustainability Impact Award
Maria has contributed to sustainable practice through her volunteer work with the Sustainable Conservation Trust, promoting architectural conservation of historic buildings and adaptive reuse as alternatives to demolition and new construction. By advocating for repair and retrofit, she supports approaches that reduce carbon while preserving cultural heritage.
Charles Beckwith
Volunteering Impact Award
Charlie has demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteering through international fundraising and humanitarian initiatives. Through leading large-scale fundraising campaigns, coordinating international teams, and supporting education and water projects in Kenya and Saharawi refugee communities, he has inspired collective action and delivered meaningful impact.
Matthew Lewis
Vice-Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award
Cinematographer Matthew’s amazing camera operation for the highly acclaimed Netflix series Adolescence has established him as a leading figure in British cinematography. His work with strong social themes has furthered important conversations around themes such as violence, masculinity, mental health and social media.