What does Sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability is a hot topic! It has never been more evident across our hemispheres that our climate is getting more volatile.
Academia, civil society, governments, and businesses are increasingly recognising the need to work together to tackle social and environmental challenges for a more sustainable future.
Join this panel discussion during which the newly launched Imperial Sustainability Alumni Network (SAN) committee members will discuss the current meaning of sustainability for each of their areas of work, before opening up the discussion to hear your views.
As an alumnus of Imperial, you are invited to take part in this online launch event from wherever you are in the world – whether you work in sustainability, are keen to network, or just have an interest in the field.
Key details:
Date and time: Monday 24 November, 12.00 – 13.30
Location: online via Zoom
Cost: free to attend
Register: secure your spot via Eventbrite. The Zoom details will be shared with registrants closer to the event.
See below to hear what motivates our panellists who are working towards a more sustainable world:
Anita Punwani (Civil Engineering 1988, MBA 1992) – Independent Risk Professional, UK ISO Sustainability and Governance Expert – “I am inspired by the opportunity we as Imperial alumni, staff and students have in leading an international effort to achieve sustainable development goals through working together to address the social and environmental challenges we collectively face as members of a global community.” Anita is Co-Chair of the Network.
Apostolia Matraki (MEng Bioengineering 2012) – Senior Manager, Financial Services, KPMG in Greece – “As an Imperial alumna, working in financial services with a focus on ESG, I’m passionate about driving meaningful change. Through my participation in this committee I seek to help connect ideas, action, and alumni across the globe – ensuring our community plays a leading role in advancing sustainability .”
Bhaskar Neel (MSc Bioengineering 2010) – “I am excited to contribute my strategy and transformation expertise to bringing Imperial’s new ‘Science for Humanity’ vision to life. This is a pivotal time to harness our powerful global alumni network and collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to drive real-world sustainability solutions that address the critical challenges of our changing climate!” Bhaskar is Co-Chair of the Network.
Christopher Baker-Brian (MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering 2010) – Co-founder and CTO, BBOXX Ltd – “Since graduating in 2010 I’ve continued to have a strong relationship with Imperial, including supporting numerous internships for students over the last 15 years and maintaining strong connections with a wide range of social and specific interest groups. Supporting the work of this new Alumni Affinity Network therefore felt like an obvious next step to continue to support Imperial and its connection with its diverse range of alumni around the world.”
Clarissa Laing (MSc Civil and Environmental Engineering 2017) – Design Access Consultant at Asknovation – “I’m compelled to amplify underrepresented voices and mobilise global alumni toward climate-positive action. Since graduating, I’ve championed pragmatic solutions beyond laboratories through sustainable infrastructure projects with disabled, global majority and disadvantaged communities. I seek to blend technical expertise with cross-sector collaboration, connecting academic insight with real-world impact.”
Jason Cheng (MEng Chemical Engineering 2014) – Deputy Director, National Environment Agency, Singapore – “I care deeply about driving positive change and believe that real impact happens when people come together around a shared purpose. Being part of this committee is a meaningful way for me to connect with fellow Imperial alumni, exchange ideas, and work on sustainability initiatives that can spark wider action – both within the Imperial community and beyond.”
Apostolia Matraki
Bhaskar Neel
Christopher Baker-Brian
Clarissa Laing
Jason ChengThe Imperial Sustainability Alumni Network launched in June 2025. The goals of the network are:
- To cultivate collaboration between alumni, industry leaders and Imperial academics in the fields of sustainability, climate and green energy.
- To unite alumni professionals interested or working in sustainability, to share knowledge and expertise.
- To support Imperial’s commitment in the sustainability sector and related initiatives.
The Network is led by its committee of alumni volunteers, who are working to develop a programme of activity that will support professional development, lifelong learning and networking opportunities for alumni. The new alumni network launches alongside Imperial’s new Schools of Convergence Science: School of Sustainability.
For more information on the Sustainability Alumni Network see here.