Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 17 February 2022, the first awards ceremony for the winners of the international Study UK: Alumni Awards was held, organized by the British Council in Uzbekistan. The award ceremony, which took place online, was attended by the Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan, Denis Weddingham, British Ambassador Tim Torlot and project partners.

The Alumni Awards are an award for UK university graduates who excel in exemplary leadership and significant achievements in their professional field and beyond. The award reflects the impact and value of British higher education and raises the international profile of UK university graduates. This year, more than 1,500 applications from more than 100 countries of the world have been received for participation in the international award. However, the award at the national level is held only in 23 countries of the world, and this year for the first time in Uzbekistan.

“Today’s finalists and winners are leaders from various fields who use the knowledge and experience of studying at universities in the UK for the benefit of the development of their country, industry and community,” said Denise Weddingham, Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan.

This year the winners were awarded in three categories:

The winner of the award in the nomination Business and Innovation was a graduate of the University of Westminster in Tashkent, Khurshid Kadyrov. The Business and Innovation Award is given to graduates who actively implement and contribute to the development of innovative and creative projects and solutions in business.

“British education has broadened my understanding of the international business environment and business relationships. This knowledge allowed me to become the founder of the Astrum IT Academy in the Yangi Bazaar area, which will allow the guys to get an education under the Silicon Valley program. I am proud of this achievement to this day,” said Khurshid.

The winner in the nomination Social Activity was the leading international expert in the field of oncohematology and sports medicine Sukhrob Saliev. Suhrob devotes all his time to the treatment, education and training of young people in the field of sports, physical education and health, conducts research on the impact of physical activity on well-being and advises on programs for the oncohematological health sector in the region. The Social Engagement Award recognizes alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change and conditions to improve the lives of others.

“Having completed my studies at University College London, I am determined to pass on all my skills and experience gained in the UK to the younger generation of Uzbekistan in order to popularize a healthy lifestyle among the population of Central Asia,” said Sukhrob Saliev.

This year, a special Ambassador’s Choice Award was presented, the winner of which was personally selected by British Ambassador Tim Torloth. The winner in this category was Eleonora Menglieva, a graduate of the University of Warwick, an expert in teacher development and language assessment. Eleonora is the founder of the NETRUZ project, a platform that provides free continuing professional development opportunities for teachers. Through the NETRUZ project, more than 60 teachers have been trained in assessment, corpus-based materials development, and pedagogical research. The award jury praised the contribution to bring about "positive changes in education by advising universities and international organizations on teacher development and knowledge assessment."

As the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Tim Thorlot, commented:

 “The dynamism, determination and ambition that Eleanor has demonstrated means that her time in the UK has been truly transformational for her, not only personally, but also professionally. And I admire the fact that she uses her education not only to develop her own career, but also to benefit other people in the field of education, which is very important for the UK and Uzbekistan.”

The three winners of the national Alumni Awards have received a £1,000 prize and have also been shortlisted for an international award where they will compete against participants from 100 countries to win the international award and the top prize, a professional networking trip to the UK.

For eight years, the British Council has been holding the international Study UK: Alumni Awards, which is designed to support outstanding UK university graduates from around the world.

The laureates of the award will have a unique chance to exchange professional contacts both at the national and international levels, expand the circle of like-minded people and increase their international prestige.