The British Council was delighted to announce the four winners for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22 in Armenia. The four winners were selected from 12 finalists for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Armenia. The award winners were announced at a ceremony at Arno Babajanyan Concert hall on Friday 3 December 2021.
The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its eighth year, international UK alumni applied from more than 100 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK. In Armenia the national award was held for the first time.
Professional Achievement Award, which recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership and achievements in their professional industry, was presented to Mane Adamyan, graduate of University of Cambridge. Mane is Adviser to Deputy Prime Minister and former Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia, currently in charge of supervision of the entire development assistance of the country. As chief negotiator, Mane has led the process of raising over 250mln Euro in grant assistance for sustainable and inclusive development.
Science and Sustainability Awards, which recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, was presented to Irina Mkrtchyan, graduate of University of Sheffield, for undertaking environmental reforms with her team aimed at promoting proper solid waste management across Armenia. Irina’s efforts have led to creation of waste sorting culture in Armenia, dozens of green jobs and mechanisms to promote green innovation.
Culture and Creativity Award, which recognises alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture, was presented to Seda Grigoryan, graduate of University of West London. Seda is the Head of the Creative Europe Desk Armenia, as well as the representative of Armenia to major independent cultural heritage organizations. Seda is currently focusing more on the reforms in the cultural sector that will allow the artists and creatives have more resources and rights to achieve their goals, more opportunities to reach international platforms.
Social Action Award, which recognises alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others, was presented to Mher Davtyan, graduate of University College London. Mher is the director of NorArar Education NGO and consults UNICEF Armenia on Equity and Fairness Analysis of Classroom Assessment to identify improvement recommendations for governmental reforms in education.