Prizes

Bella completed the Global Environmental Change and Policy pathway on the Environmental Technology MSc following her first degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her thesis critically examined representations of human dignity in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, exploring how discourse shapes policy and impacts social justice on a global scale. Now she works as a research project officer on a QAA funded collaborative enhancement project.

“I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Environmental Resource Management prize. The opportunity to study the MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London has been a deeply rewarding and valuable experience which has deepened my understanding of environmental policy and global challenges. I particularly enjoyed meeting and working with people with passions matching my own. This would not have been possible without the encouragement from friends and family which give me the confidence to embark on this learning journey. Special thanks are due to my supervisor, Dr Caroline Howe, who guided my research with her passion and expertise.”

Stefania completed the Environmental Economics and Policy option on the MSc Environmental Technology in 2023. Her thesis researched a multi-criteria assessment framework to understand eco-friendly gas alternatives for particle detectors. The project investigated emission mitigation from the particle physics research community in collaboration with CERN. She is now a Doctoral Student at the University of Paris-Saclay.

"I'm grateful to have been awarded the Environmental Resource Management Prize. After completing the course in Environmental Technologies, I wanted to use the knowledge in my research to propose an interdisciplinary approach to the alternative gas search in high-energy physics applications and beyond. I must thank my supervisors, Gbemi Oluleye and Gianluca Rigoletti, for all the guidance they've provided me, as well as the entire team of the CERN Gas Group for their support."

Dan works as a systems change consultant and completed the Global Environmental Change and Policy option on the MSc in 2022. His thesis analysed the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine on international energy markets and its implications for energy affordability in the UK. Before his MSc, he spent four years in management consulting and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in Geography and Economics.

"I'm thrilled to have been awarded the ERM Prize. I chose to focus on energy affordability in the wake of the Russian war in Ukraine, so hopefully my research will help shed light on the true impact of the war on UK households. Thanks to my supervisor Zen Makuch and to Phil Heptonstall who assisted me with my model."

“I am deeply honoured that my thesis has received the ‘Professor Tony Goddard Prize’. Entitled ‘Assessing the Geography of Zonal Electricity Market Design in Great Britain: A Modelled Approach’, my project took a close look at a possible regulatory solution for the increasing cost of grid congestion in Great Britain. This project was founded in my belief that as our societies move closer to achieving net zero, our existing systems must change to reflect the physical reality and ensure a just transition for all. I am deeply indebted to my supervisors, Iain Staffell and Raphael Slade, whose support made my thesis possible. I would also like to thank everybody at the CEP for the quality of teaching provided.” 

“I am particularly grateful and proud that my thesis was recognised as the best in sustainable energy, receiving the Professor Tony Goddard Prize. My thesis developed a novel model to assess the adequacy of policy instruments to scale carbon management solutions in heavy industry. I am convinced we need evidence-based policymaking to meet Net Zero. I am grateful for the guidance of my supervisor Dr Gbemi Oluleye — the most supportive and enthusiastic mentor I could have wished for.”

India completed her undergraduate degree in Physics at Durham University before joining the Energy Policy cohort on the MSc Environmental Technology. Her thesis projected future global nuclear waste quantities and waste management options in the context of reaching net zero.

"I am honoured to have been chosen for the Professor Tony Goddard Prize. I found the thesis term both interesting and rewarding, and I am grateful to both of my supervisors for all their help."

Rosie’s thesis “Addressing Challenges of Carbon Accounting and Rewarding for BECCS in the UK Power System” investigated the challenges of governance for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) – a technology which, like nuclear power, can provide a continuous supply of clean electricity, and can also remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere.  BECCS is heavily relied upon in the current government’s pathway to net zero, but the limited commercial experience to date and under-developed governance mechanisms could lead to unsustainable deployment of BECCS, which should be avoided at all costs. 

Rosie’s thesis was awarded a high distinction (77%) and was submitted as an academic paper to the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, which is a testament to the quality of analysis.

Connor completed the Global Environmental Change and Policy Option of the Environmental Technology MSc in 2024, leading a team researching the fair and equitable operationalisation of the U.N. Loss and Damage Fund. His previous experience includes consulting with global companies on their corporate sustainability strategy and reporting efforts, and helping expand consumer-level U.K. electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He is currently pursuing opportunities in climate policy and research in the U.K.

"I'm thrilled to have received the Aether Prize for the GECP term - my sincere thanks to Karen and Zen Makuch for organising such a fulfilling option that provides both breadth and depth of expertise across critical global environmental issues. The capacity to dive first-hand into these key issues through in-depth research is a testament to their profound commitment to students' experience, as well as the quality of the cohort that the option brings together." 

Charlie recently completed the MSc in Environmental Technology, specialising in Global Environmental Change and Policy. His thesis, conducted in collaboration with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), analysed various metrics used to value carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. Motivated by a strong interest in CDR, Charlie is now working as a Climate Science Analyst for Supercritical, a leading CDR marketplace.

"I would like to sincerely thank Dr Mai Bui and Dr Piera Patrizio for their invaluable support and guidance throughout my thesis term - I couldn’t have asked for better supervisors. I would also like to express my gratitude to Zen Makuch for his invaluable guidance during the option term; I thoroughly enjoyed his teaching style and continue to benefit from his advice."

“I'm thrilled to have been awarded the Aether Prize. I am truly grateful to Karen and Zen Makuch for leading our Option with passion and conviction that we can make a change in the world. The Global Option taught us to be pragmatic, innovative and passionate problem-solvers in a climate-changed world — lessons I carry with me in my career.”

"I'm chuffed to be awarded the Aether Prize. The GECP option offers a rounded understanding of the political and legal tools available to solve systemic environmental problems. It was a challenging semester made easier by my peers, who were a delight to work with and constantly challenged my thinking."

Yuxin completed the MSc Environmental Technology program in the option of Integrated Water Management in 2024. Her thesis explored the impact of pet parasiticides on the biodiversity of urban ponds in London, focusing on the potential release of these chemicals into water bodies when dogs swim.

Collaborating with the Natural History Museum London, she employed eDNA analysis to deliver a precise and comprehensive biodiversity assessment. The research aims to inform the development of ecologically sustainable practices and policies for pesticide use.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Nigel Bell Prize. This MSc program has been an invaluable experience, inspiring me to focus on my passion for pollution management in aquatic environments. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such exceptional professionals in the field and to collaborate with them on this meaningful research. My heartfelt thanks go to Dr Tilly Collins and Dr Thomas Creedy for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this journey. I would also like to extend my gratitude to everyone at CEP and the Natural History Museum for making this achievement possible."

Vitor is a Brazilian biologist with an MSc in Microbiology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). For seven years, he has served as an environmental analyst at Ibama, Brazil’s environmental agency, contributing to policy development. His MSc thesis on mercury contamination in the Amazon, resulting from artisanal gold mining, led to a collaborative project with WWF-Brazil to expand contamination modelling across other watersheds.

“I am honoured to receive the Nigel Bell Prize, recognising my efforts to understand and mitigate pollution impacts in South America. I must acknowledge my supervisor Dr Maria Vinograd, my colleagues, and all the organisations supporting this work. I look forward to applying my knowledge to strengthen environmental governance in the Global South.”

Guanyang graduated in 2022 from the MSc Environmental Technology (Integrated Water Management option). Her thesis assessed the effects of climate change on land contamination risk assessment, completed with support from Arup. She previously completed a BSc in Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham and has focused her work on water and soil management.

"I am honoured to be a joint recipient of the Nigel Bell Prize. This achievement would not have been possible without the people and challenges I encountered during the MSc year. I will fight for the cause of environmental protection all my life."

Yufei graduated from the MSc Environmental Technology (EAM option). Her thesis examined the influence of uncertainty on post-combustion Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) deployment in the Humber Cluster, exploring the cost range and its implications on decision-making for investors and policy-makers.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Ross Makuch Memorial Law Prize. Dr Zen Makuch’s inspiring Environmental Law course broadened my perspective and ignited my enduring passion for environmental policymaking and legislation. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Nixon Sunny, for his invaluable support in my thesis. Thanks to everyone in CEP for making this year truly amazing.”

Coline graduated from the MSc Environmental Technology (GECP option) and developed a strong interest in the relationship between economics, international trade, and climate change. Her thesis examined the WTO compatibility of Carbon Border Adjustments with GATT Articles I, III, and XX, and assessed the EU’s CBAM proposal within the international trade regime. She now works at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, in the Trade and Environment division.

"I am honoured to have been awarded the Ross Makuch Memorial Law Prize. Zen and Karen have been amazing and very supportive. Their passion for Environmental Law is truly inspiring and contagious. Witnessing how Zen applied trade law to environmental policymaking was decisive in guiding my own career choices. Thank you for an amazing year!"

Martje is a Research Associate at the University of Oxford working on the role of law in the Net Zero transition. She is also a Dean’s Scholar at the Faculty of Law, reading for her DPhil in Climate Change Law at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme. Her previous work for the German government focused on Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs). Martje holds a Law degree from Bucerius Law School and an MSc in Environmental and Energy Technology from Imperial College London.

“I am incredibly excited to have been awarded the AECOM prize. The MSc programme really centres on the topics I am most passionate about — Sustainable Energy and the Net Zero Transition. It means a lot to me that my achievements in the degree were recognised with this prize. Many thanks to the committed, intellectually curious and brilliant lecturers and students on the course. The friendships we formed at Imperial are very dear to me!”

Eirini completed the Global Environmental Change and Policy option of the MSc Environmental Technology in 2023 as an Onassis Scholar. She is now a PhD Researcher investigating a just heating transition in the UK, funded by the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership. Her thesis explored the role of energy communities in decentralising and decarbonising district heating in the EU, proposing a rule-based framework inspired by Danish examples.

“I am honoured to have been awarded the AECOM prize. The interdisciplinary nature of the MSc taught me how to move outside of my comfort zone and develop a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of the field. My work would not have been possible without the endless support of my family and friends who encouraged me throughout the year.”

"I'm absolutely delighted to be awarded the AECOM Prize. I learnt so much during my year of study thanks to amazing teaching staff and inspirational peers. Among all the climate doomism we see today, the students on this course gave me a sense of optimism about our environmental challenges. I’m indebted to my family, friends, and teachers for their support — thank you!"

Natasha graduated with Distinction from the MSc Environmental Technology (Energy Policy option) in 2022. Her thesis explored the future of energy security in Morocco using system modelling to assess the country’s reliance on natural gas. Since October 2022, she has been working at ERM as an environmental consultant specialising in sustainable energy and transport.

"It was an honour to receive this prize, and I’m very grateful to the CEP teaching staff and my 2021–22 coursemates for such an enjoyable and rewarding year! A huge thanks in particular to Dr Iain Staffell and Dr Malte Jansen in the Energy Policy option."

Daisy’s dissertation explored how current practices of UK fast food businesses compare with those required to achieve healthy and sustainable diets. She now works as a Research Analyst for ImpactARC, an impact investing advisory firm. Previously, Daisy worked with organisations including The Felix Project, International Citizen Service, and Tesco, contributing to projects addressing sustainability and food waste.

"I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to do the MSc and am particularly grateful to the B&E cohort – I learnt so much from each of them and especially enjoyed our reflective sessions on what it means to be a ‘sustainable business’. The course has given me the confidence to express my opinions and to question everything."