Imperial’s 2026 Alumni Awards celebrate success around the world

Remarkable success stories from across the globe are highlighted in the 2026 Imperial Alumni Awards. This year’s accolades recognise the incredible work of Imperial’s former students, from mission-driven CEOs, to leading experts in vaccines, medicine and social enterprise, an eminent politician, and a beauty entrepreneur.

A unique trajectory

The Distinguished Alumni Award honours alumni who have demonstrated sustained excellence in their achievements over the course of their careers. The 2026 award goes to H.E. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, in recognition of the incredible and unique career path she has taken since completing her PhD in Nuclear Physics in 1970. A former government minister, Khunying Kalaya has transformed STEM education in Thailand and is the founding Chair of The Rajapruek Institute Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting and enhancing Thailand’s natural environment.  

I came to Imperial because of knowledge and education. I want to give people inspiration that no matter where you are born, you can choose where you are going to be, if you have an education. And I am so grateful to Imperial for that.

^{H.E. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich}

Alumni Entrepreneur Award

The Alumni Entrepreneur Award recognises motivated self-starters with exceptional drive and leadership. This year’s recipients are two CEOs on very different missions to change the world.

Indonesia has one of the biggest food waste issues in the world. Muh Agung Saputra CEO and Founder, Surplus Indonesia

“Indonesia has one of the biggest food waste issues in the world,” says Muh Agung Saputra. Graduating from Imperial’s Centre for Environmental Policy in 2019, Agung has since founded Surplus Indonesia, a platform that has so far enabled tens of thousands of restaurants, cafes and small businesses to redistribute their unsold produce at affordable prices. In doing so, Surplus has reduced not only waste and pollution, but also food insecurity.

^{Muh Agung Saputra}

As COO and Co-founder of Uncover beauty, Jade Oyateru has revolutionised the skincare industry, building a brand that is both proudly African and globally relevant. Since completing her MBA at Imperial in 2018, Jade’s brand, Uncover, has been recognised by Bloomberg, Vogue Business and KPMG as an innovator to watch and is one of the fastest-scaling independent beauty brands in Africa.

^{Jade Oyateru}

Emerging Alumni Leader Award

^{Dr Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak}

I love using engineering solutions to make an impact. Dr Jiajun Cen CEO and Founder, AQUABATTERY

 “I love using engineering solutions to make an impact, “ says Dr Jiajun Cen (PhD Chemical Engineering 2020). A pioneer in the clean energy sector and recently elected Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering, Jiajun is the CEO and Founder of climate tech company AQUABATTERY. The company makes rechargeable batteries that use saltwater as a storage medium, providing a safe, sustainable and low-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. 

^{Dr Jiajun Cen}

Working in London’s National Physical Laboratory, Dr Ibolya Kepiro (PhD Physics 2011) is a leading expert in the lesser-known but vital science of biometrology – precise measurement in the life sciences. Her pioneering work has led to novel standards that underpin life-saving research in vaccinology, virology and drug development, earning her a wide array of prestigious awards and international recognition. 

^{Dr Ibolya Kepiro}

At the age of nine, Dr Joana Moscoso learnt about the existence of bacteria – and it kickstarted a lifelong love of biology that eventually led to a PhD at Imperial (Life Sciences Research 2013). Now as the CEO of social enterprise Native Scientists, she ensures that children across Europe have access to the magic of science through an award-winning range of outreach programmes connecting schools with scientists. 

^{Dr Joana Moscoso}

Had I not gone to Imperial, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Kolawole Osinowo CEO, Izili

As CEO of Izili, Kolawole Osinowo (MBA 2020) is an emerging leader in social innovation who has dedicated his career to improving access to technology and clean, reliable energy across Africa. His tireless efforts enable hundreds of thousands of people in remote communities across Nigeria to access electricity, earning him recognition as a Global Good Fund Fellow. 

^{Kolawole Osinowo}

Dr Tunde Oyebamiji (Master of Public Health 2023) combines medicine, research, and digital innovation to improve trauma outcomes across continents. Alongside his groundbreaking research, Tunde has launched two mission-driven ventures in Nigeria that save lives and support emergency care for tens of thousands of patients. This includes Lend an Arm – an initiative addressing blood shortages in Nigeria. He is now a postdoctoral research fellow in trauma immunology at the University of Pittsburgh where he still runs Lend an Arm remotely. 

^{Dr Tunde Oyebamiji}

Celebrating outstanding Imperial alumni