Exceptional contributions to sustainability by both staff and students at De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU), were celebrated at the third annual climate awards last week.  

More than 100 individuals from across the university were nominated for awards stretching from healthcare, arts and culture, to enterprise, and engineering. The nominations highlighted the wide range of innovative research, teaching, and campus initiatives at DMU driving sustainability forward. 

On Friday 22 November, at DMU’s SDG Hub in Heritage House, staff and students came together as part of DMU's COP29 activities to share insights into ground-breaking work being undertaken to address climate change- honouring outstanding sustainability achievements in an awards ceremony.  

Dr Mark Charlton, Associate Director of SDG Impact at DMU, said: “It was great to celebrate all the good work that goes on towards sustainability and the SDGs, particularly around climate.  

“In fact, I was particularly struck by the record of nominations for people working on climate projects, or demonstrating commitment through their professional work, teaching and research.  

“Taking a step back to recognise good work is important and a fitting end to the COP 29 activity at DMU, which has seen great engagement from staff, students and community partners throughout.” 

The climate awards marked the end of COP29 at Baku and the series of events taking place on DMU’s campus, driving meaningful local action in line with global climate discussions.  

Reflecting on the two weeks, over in Baku, DMU researchers Silifat Abimbola Okoya (Abi), an expert in the circular economy and quality education, and Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development, presented their innovative plastic waste solutions to African government representatives. 

Meanwhile, back on campus, more than 20 activities engaged over 500 staff, students, and guests, including a litter-picking initiative that saw student volunteers remove over 35 bags of waste from Leicester’s waterways, in a fight against global plastic pollution.  

DMU also launched its SDG Fellows programme, aiming to build a network of 100 academics and staff dedicated to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the university.  

Additionally, the "29 Ideas for COP29" initiative invited the university community to submit proposals for sustainable campus improvements, with over 100 people participating in this collaborative effort to make local change happen.  

The award winners from the climate awards last week were: 

Energy Champion - Mohamed Mehdi Kambari - PhD in Sustainable Aviation 

(Research or innovations undertaken at DMU to reduce energy consumption or carbon emissions) 

 

Climate Action Engagement Champion - Dr Claire Lerpiniere, Associate Professor in Sustainable Textiles 

(Demonstrating how staff or students have connected their work with local businesses, organisations or community groups to promote climate action) 

 

Healthcare Innovation Champion - Dr Su Lu, Senior Lecturer in Psychology 

(Research or innovations undertaken at DMU to create a more sustainable healthcare system) 

 

Enterprise for Climate Action - Dr Neil Lancastle, Senior Lecturer in Business and Law 

(DMU student or graduate who has developed a business idea aimed at reducing climate impact) 

 

Climate Action in Arts and Culture - Dr Amal Abuzeinab, Senior Lecturer Leicester School of Architecture 

(Research in all arts, design, humanities and creative industries at DMU linked to or promoting climate action) 

 

Climate Justice Champion - Dr Sally Kah, Senior Lecturer in Business Management 

(Research for climate justice, equality, decolonising, climate governance, law and human rights.) 

 

Climate Action: Team of the Year - Nafi Ba and Jemima Duodu, SDG Hub 

(Award for a group or team who have led impactful research or a campus innovation to reduce climate change) 

 

Climate Innovation - Dr Sahar Abdalrahman, Architectural Engineer 

(Any research, teaching or extra-curricular activity that demonstrates climate action) 

 

Climate Action Hero (staff) - Daniel Kirk, Head Gardener 

 (Individual staff member recognised by others as an outstanding climate action advocate) 

 

Climate Action Hero (student) -  Silifat Abimbola Okoya (Abi)- Researcher in Sustainable Development specialising in the circular economy and quality education 

(Individual student recognised by others as an outstanding climate action advocate) 

Special recognition award -Marta Afonso- Student Support Administrator and Sian Brewis – Senior Media Officer, Research Business and Innovation 

(An exceptional project which inspires others)