Each year, the University recognises alumni who have made remarkable contributions to society through the Alumni Awards. This year's winners are innovators, advocates and inspirational leaders in their chosen fields. 

The Lifetime Achievement award was given to Dr Michelle McDowell MBE (BSc 1984, Hon Deng 2012), Non-Executive Director of Civic Engineers and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. 

On receiving her award, Dr Michelle McDowell said: “Bristol inspired my love of engineering, and the projects I did there led me to choose structural engineering. This award is a wonderful opportunity to show engineers at the start of their journey what is possible in our profession.” 

Also recognised is novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls (BA 1988, Hon DLitt 2016). Widely celebrated for his screenwriting and novels, David had a particularly stellar year last year, with One Day (2009) adapted by Netflix into a limited series and Starter for Ten (2003) adapted for stage at the Bristol Old Vic. 

Reflecting on his time at University, David said: “The work I’ve done wouldn’t have been possible without my Bristol education, and I will always feel a very strong connection to the city, the University and the people I met there.” 

The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Evelyn Welch, said of the winners: “This year's Alumni Award winners are an incredible group of Bristol alumni who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Their paths from university, and throughout their careers, offer inspiration to our students and staff alike. We are very proud to recognise their achievements.” 

The 2025 Alumni Award winners are:

Dr Michelle McDowell MBE (BSc 1984, Hon Deng 2012), Lifetime Achievement Award 

With an engineering career spanning more than 40 years, Dr Michelle McDowell MBE has led major construction projects at prestigious venues such as the Palace of Westminster, No 1 Court at Wimbledon and the redevelopment of the Royal Albert Hall. 

David Nicholls (BA 1988, Hon DLitt 2016), Arts and Media Award 

David Nicholls is one of the UK’s most beloved novelists and screenwriters. The Netflix adaptation of One Day (2009) has been widely celebrated with 15 million views, and his latest book You Are Here won the 2024 Books Are My Bag Readers’ Award. 

Raghad Al-Abboodi (MSc 2016), Global Citizenship Award 

Raghad Al-Abboodi is founder and director of She Codes Too, a charity that empowers young women in Iraq to pursue a career in technology. Built from Raghad's first-hand experiences, She Codes Too bridges the gap between formal education and the workplace with workshops, mentoring and training courses. 

Dr Simi Pam (MBChB 2019), Contribution to Sport Award 

Dr Simi Pam is a doctor and semi-professional rugby player, playing as loose-head prop for the Bristol Bears. She started playing rugby while in the penultimate year of her medicine degree and has championed diversity in sport both on and off the pitch. 

Victoria Johnson (BVSc 1998), Innovation and Enterprise Award 

Victoria Johnson is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of VetCT, which has transformed veterinary care through innovative digital medical imaging services. Her company provides remote imaging and specialist support to practitioners globally, bridging gaps in care and expertise. 

Dr Una Ryan OBE (BSc 1962, Hon DSc 2009), Business and Industry Award 

Dr Una Ryan OBE is a pioneering vascular biologist, award-winning scientist, investor and artist. Her groundbreaking research revolutionised hypertension treatment and garnered her a prestigious 10-year MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health. 

Benjamin Barker MBE (MSc 1981), Community Impact Award 

Benjamin Barker MBE is a community developer helping to improve neighbourhoods in Bristol. A retired teacher, Ben is involved in different community projects, including Blooming Bedminster which celebrates local groups who care for green spaces, and pioneering the ‘Toilet Map’ to help to make Bristol a more accessible place. 

Chris Wallis (BSc 1978), Alumni Association Community Award 

Chris Wallis is a self-proclaimed ‘techie’ with an extensive record of giving his time to help University of Bristol students grow into their career aspirations through mentoring. He has volunteered consistently with the University since the early 2000s and has plans to continue his mentoring through 2025 and beyond.