We love celebrating the success of our talented alumni community and recently we’ve been delighted that some of their achievements have been recognised as part of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025/26.
The British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards take place in several countries and recognise outstanding international alumni, who studied in the UK for all, or part of, their degree. The winners and finalists of the prestigious awards are leaders in their respective fields and have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make positive contributions to their communities and professions.
You can read below all about how several of Exeter’s alumni have shone at this year’s awards.
Curtis Wong (BSc Exercise & Sports Sciences, 2019 and MSc Sport & Health Sciences, 2020) – WINNER of the Business and Innovation category in Hong Kong
Curtis is the Co-Founder of DRESIO, a pioneering health-tech company transforming access to digital healthcare solutions and supporting tens of thousands of people in improving mobility and rehabilitation outcomes.
The company’s breakthrough came with the launch of its AI-powered healthcare system, which enables any laptop or tablet to analyse movement and derive key physical health metrics up to five times faster than traditional screening methods.
Today, DRESIO is valued at USD 50 million and has received multiple awards in recent years, reflecting its growing impact and innovation in the healthcare space, Curtis shared: “To be able to turn my own career-ending injury into my life’s work and be awarded for it on behalf of the people who supported me from the start, is an honour that I will cherish deeply as I continue to focus on making healthcare accessible to all.”
Dr Felix Leung (PhD in Geography, 2017) – WINNER of the Science and Sustainability category in Hong Kong
During his PhD at Exeter, Felix’s research bridged climate science, air pollution, and global crop productivity, undertaken in partnership with the Met Office and providing him with a deep understanding of complex climate systems.
After returning to Hong Kong, he joined The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where he led a range of research projects and initiatives. Following his role as a Climate Change Fellow at The Nature Conservancy, Felix now serves as Head of Climate Education and Action at the Museum of Climate Change at CUHK.
The museum – the first of its kind globally – has welcomed over 1.8 million visitors and offers an immersive platform to educate students and the wider public on environmental stewardship and climate action. Reflecting on experience at Exeter, he shared, “My time in Exeter was more than a doctoral programme; it was where I learned to see science not as an isolated pursuit but as a conversation between disciplines, between data and human experience. I remember long days working with Met Office models, but I also remember the conversations with ecologists and social scientists who challenged me to think beyond my own assumptions.
“Exeter gave me the confidence to ask bigger questions and the humility to know I could not answer them alone. To have that formative chapter recognised on a global stage reaffirms something I carry with me every day: that the most meaningful impact comes not from individual achievement, but from the networks of trust and collaboration we build along the way.”
Alyazia Ahli (BSc Renewable Energy, 2017) – WINNER of the Science and Sustainability category in the United Arab Emirates
It is wonderful that Alyazia has been recognised in this way for her fantastic achievements to protect the environment through her work as an energy engineer, using technology platforms to promote global sustainability. What is also significant is the impact of her work with young people in developing countries and we hope her story will continue to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM. Her story will inspire future generations of alumni and students.
We look forward to keeping in touch with Alyazia, who also volunteers as a Country Contact ambassador for our alumni network in the UAE.
Speaking about her win Alyazia said, “Winning the 2026 British Council Study UK Alumni Award for Science and Sustainability alongside candidates with PhDs is a reminder that what truly matters is the impact we create. The University of Exeter instils this mindset in all of us, a mindset that goes beyond titles and degrees to driving real-world change.”
Megan Otto (BA Politics & International Studies, 2013) – WINNER of the Social Action Award in the USA
Megan is the well-deserved winner of this Social Action Award for the impactful work she has done to support the people, families and school children suffering food insecurity during the COVID pandemic through initiatives like mobile food pantries. Her achievements will be remembered by many and especially those at a time of need.
This distinction celebrates her unwavering commitment to positive social change and community empowerment, exemplifying the power of dedicated leadership to improve lives and advocate for others.
Wenjie Li (MSc Accounting and Finance, 2012) – FINALIST in the Social Action Award category in Mainland China
We would also like to congratulate Wenjie Li (MSc Accounting and Finance, 2012) who was named a finalist in the Social Action category at the Alumni Awards in Mainland China back in December 2025. (Shown on the left in this picture.)
Wenjie was recognised for his outstanding efforts in building connections among Exeter alumni in China and for developing a diverse range of employability initiatives – both during his time at Exeter and in the years since. The national awards ceremony, held in Beijing, celebrated the achievements of individuals who studied in the UK and highlighted the lasting impact of their education in supporting local communities.
Reflecting on the awards, Wenjie shared: “I feel deeply honoured – and genuinely surprised – to be a finalist. But this recognition feels much bigger than just me. It reflects the value, warmth, and collective effort of our 10,000+ Exeter alumni over the past decade. The award shines a light on Social Action – how we can use the knowledge and spirit gained in the UK to give back and illuminate each other’s paths. I’m truly happy that our alumni story can be shared more widely, and I hope it inspires more alumni to take part in meaningful volunteer projects.”
You can find out more about the Study UK Alumni Awards organised by the British Council online and nominations for the 2026-27 awards will open in the autumn. You can also register your interest by completing this form.