Alumni Achievement Award Winners 2025

BSc Surveying (Quantity Surveying) PTDE, Class of 1999

Ian has spent over 30 years in the construction industry and founded Gallaway Construction more than 20 years ago with a vision built on fairness, trust, and strong relationships. Under his leadership as Managing Director, Gallaway has grown into a nationally respected contractor, delivering high-quality projects across healthcare, education, water, civil engineering and commercial sectors.

Known for his hands-on approach, Ian nurtures talent, supports young professionals, and strengthens community links. For him, true success is measured not just in completed projects, but in the people supported and communities enriched along the way.

CertHE Wildlife & Practical Conservation, Class of 2019

Mark has dedicated his work to transforming green spaces into vibrant hubs for community engagement, education and environmental sustainability. In 2019, he revitalised the Buile Hill Park greenhouse and gardens through Growing Togetherness, creating accessible pathways, a large greenhouse and communal growing areas. He also collaborated with the University of Salford to develop the Community Growing Space behind Clifford Whitworth Library, enhancing biodiversity and providing a tranquil space for students, staff and local residents. 

Mark has supported volunteers in restoring the Working Class Movement Library gardens, fostering ecological learning and a culture of inclusivity, sustainability and connection to nature.

PGDip Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Class of 2018

Mohamed is transforming education in Somalia to widen access for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and challenge gender barriers, providing more opportunities for girls. After overcoming significant challenges growing up during decades of civil conflict, he studied at Salford, earning a master’s in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Returning home, Mohamed worked with the Somali Stability Fund before becoming Minister for Education, Culture and Higher Education in Galmudug state. He now develops policies to expand access to education for displaced and rural communities. His vision and leadership are already positively impacting thousands of young lives across Somalia.

PhD Biological Sciences, Class of 2015
MSc Analytical Biosciences & Drug Design, Class of 2012
BSc Physiology with Biochemistry, Class of 2010

Ryan is a leading bioinformatics and agricultural genomics scientist. He has applied Next Generation Sequencing and advanced genetic analysis at the Earlham Institute and CIMMYT, addressing critical agricultural challenges such as gene resistance in wheat and improving crop yields. 

Since 2020, as Genetics and Genomics Platform Manager at Limagrain Europe, he has led his team through major transformation, implementing a bioinformatics strategy integrating pangenomics and automated genome assembly. Ryan has authored over 16 publications in leading journals and continues to mentor young scientists, inspiring the next generation of global research leaders.

PGDip Housing Practice, Class of 2007

Sadia is a leader in civic engagement, interfaith dialogue, and community cohesion, reflecting the values of the University of Salford. As Programme Director at FODIP (The Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine), she leads interfaith dialogues between Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other communities on issues related to Israel, Palestine, and wider social cohesion. She has secured multi-year National Lottery funding for social cohesion programmes and supports leadership initiatives for women, young people, and underrepresented groups. Sadia also contributes to policy and advisory networks on refugee rights, anti-Muslim hate, and international conflicts. Through public forums, workshops, and collaborative campaigns, she empowers communities and drives measurable impact locally and globally.

BSc Business & Financial Management with Professional Experience, Class of 2017

As former NUS President, Zamzam represented over seven million students, boosting voter turnout and co-founding Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK). She has worked with UNESCO, the European Commission, and COP26 preparation teams, advancing youth-led climate and education initiatives. Founder of Somalis for Sustainability, and with roles at Julie’s Bicycle and Generation Climate Europe, Zamzam bridges grassroots action and policy, empowering underrepresented communities. Her leadership in movement building, strategic campaigns, and international advocacy continues to inspire change, demonstrating a rare ability to combine vision, action and tangible societal impact.

BSc Social Policy, Class of 2017

Matthew is a political commentator, policy advisor, and anti-homelessness campaigner, regularly seen on BBC, GB News, Times Radio, Talk TV, and LBC. Dubbed Britain’s “Favourite Lefty,” he’s praised for his no-nonsense, common-sense approach to social and political issues. 

Born in Stockport, Matthew was homeless at 17, sleeping rough for almost a year before turning his life around through education and work in Parliament. He now speaks at major events including Newsnight, The Oxford Union, and The Fabian Society. Alongside his media work, he supports charities tackling homelessness and mental health, with interests in politics and sport.

MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy (Professional Practice), Class of 2024

Abel is a queer trans therapist who specialises in working with neurodivergence, sexuality, gender identity, and religious trauma. He left the NHS in 2023 to found T4T Counselling, his own private therapy practice. Since then, he has been proud to be part of groups such as the Therapy and Social Change Network (TaSC) and Therapists Against Conversion Therapy and Transphobia (TACTT), and to be involved in founding a new professional body — the Psychological Society for Inclusive, Intersectional and Queer Communities (PSIIQC). Through his fundraising project, the Trans Therapy Fund, he has offered free therapy to local trans+ people who would otherwise be unable to afford it and remains committed to making therapy financially accessible to marginalised groups.

BSc Biomedical Science, Class of 2016

Born and raised in Salford, Liam has built a distinguished medical career while supporting aspiring clinicians. After excelling in Biomedical Sciences at Salford, he co-founded GEMMSPA, mentoring students aiming for graduate-entry Medicine, Dentistry, and Physician Associate courses. He graduated from Swansea Medical School with top-decile marks and the highest OSCE score, and completed rotations across acute medicine, A&E, ICU, psychiatry, and cardiology. 

Now a GP registrar in Warrington with a focus on frailty and elderly care, Liam continues to mentor students and develop practical teaching programmes, demonstrating a strong commitment to education and clinical excellence.

PhD Bioengineering, Class of 2020

Anna is an Italian researcher specialising in prosthetics, with a decade of experience in the field. She earned her BSc and MSc in Biomedical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, gained industry experience in carbon fibre prosthetic feet, and completed her PhD at the University of Salford in 2020, including a research secondment at Northwestern University. 

She is now a postdoctoral researcher at the SoftBots Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, contributing to the award-winning SoftFoot prosthetic foot. Through mentoring, science festivals, and outreach, Anna shares her expertise to inspire innovation and promote accessibility and social inclusion in prosthetic technology.

BA Television & Radio, Class of 2022

BSc Human Resource Management & Development, Class of 2017

Sami is a globally recognised DEI and HR leader with over 20 years of international experience. He currently works in Strategic Projects in Inclusive Experiences and Technology (IXT) across Amazon globally, helping to transform inclusion by making it intrinsic to all operations, products, and services. A Salford Business School alumnus, he volunteers on the Industry Advisory Board, shaping the curriculum with inclusive and global perspectives. Sami also shares insights through podcasts and videos on DEI, AI, and inclusive leadership, inspiring students and bridging academia and industry. Passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, he serves as a role model for students and emerging leaders worldwide.