We are excited to announce the winners of the Cambridge Students' Awards 2025! These awards were created to recognise the outstanding volunteering work students do across the university and the wider Cambridge community. With over 300 nominations received, it was difficult for our panel to shortlist and pick the winners. A huge congratulations to everyone nominated and our winners!
Campaign Impact
Winner: Faustine Petron-Daniels
Faustine founded Make It Mandatory, which is a grassroots campaign calling on the British government to extend Relationship and Sex Education to 16-19 years olds. Faustine has advised charities and education policy, written op-ed and reports, and hosted workshops and events. The campaign has successfully gained over 104,000 signatures as well as cross-party support in Parliament.
Contribution to the City
Winner: Maria Zaman
As the Community and Outreach Officer for Cambridge University Islamic Society, Maria has worked tirelessly to support those who experience homelessness in Cambridge. From routinely making and preparing hot food and drink to organising essential item package drops to supply thermal clothing, hats, toothpaste and sanitary products. Maria consistently treats others with dignity and respect and inspires others to act on their empathy.
Academic Rep of the Year
Winner: Eli Bertuccioli
As the Philosophy Student Rep, Eli had dedicated many hours to their role on top of their studies, including meaningfully improving the student experience by actioning student feedback. Eli has secured Faculty funding for student welfare events, advocated for exam essay feedback and consistently made themselves available for students whenever an issue or concern arose. Eli is a role model to other students for their passion for the academic community.
Contribution to Equality and Liberation
Winner: Jaideep Singh Lalli
Jaideep has demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in challenging colonial legacies at Cambridge. Through a powerful, well-researched motion passed at Trinity College Student Union, Jaideep called for the removal of the Macaulay statue, highlighting its ties to colonial violence and homophobia. Jaideep’s advocacy focused on queer and Global South perspectives, challenges traditional narratives, and inspires others through the Cambridge SU Decolonisation Working Group.
Contribution to Access and Widening Participation
Winner: Belinda Agbetiameh and Abii-Tah Bih
As co-chairs of the Cambridge University African Students’ Mentorship Programme (CAMP), these two students have shown exceptional leadership and impact. They supported 144 mentees across Africa, matched with 84 mentors, coordinated scholarship webinars, reaching 3,000+ participants, and helped 30 students gain Cambridge offers. Their proactive outreach, mock interviews, and admissions toolkit have empowered many African students to access an education at Cambridge.
College Officers of the Year
Undergraduate Winner: India Nayak
As the BAME officer for the Newnham College JCR, India has worked tirelessly to make the College more diverse and inclusive for all students. India has successfully secured funding for widening participation projects, implemented Halal food labelling, ensured that tutors receive mandatory anti-racism training and held multiple social events for College students. India has demonstrated resilience, perseverance and courage that is inspirational to other students.
Postgraduate Winner: Fee Robinson
As the King’s College Graduate President, Fee has shown initiative and responsible leadership. During a short time, Fee has revitalised a struggling committee, rewrote key governance documents, launched effective communication channels, and implemented a responsive feedback system. They negotiated rent fairness, rebuilt MCR spaces, and unified the grad-undergrad communities. Fee has shown a true commitment to democracy and the power of listening to feedback.
Contribution to Student Community
Winner: Alice Lawrence
Alice has transformed support for student carers at Cambridge through tireless advocacy and leadership. Balancing their own caring responsibilities with a PhD, Alice has founded networks, secured funding, and launched initiatives like the Carers Fair, termly support groups, and social media platforms. This work has made student carers visible, connected, and supported, creating lasting structural change and an inclusive community across the university.
Event of the Year
Winner: Cambridge Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference
Hosting Cambridge’s first in-person International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference this year, Cambridge Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance organised inclusive performances, a powerful panel on disability and intersectionality, a mini careers fair, and a charity fundraiser raising over £230. The conference combined celebration, advocacy, and accessibility, creating a meaningful, lasting impact on all that attended.
Society of the Year
Winner: May Week Alternative
Hosting over 10 events and raising over £18,000 for the Against Malaria Foundation, May Week Alternative has made a genuine difference to Cambridge students and those outside of the Cambridge community alike. This society is dedicated to inspiring Cambridge students to consider what good they can do as individuals at the same time as providing high-quality events for students to enjoy.
Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Mature Students’ Society
The winner of this award encompasses the SU’s core vision and values, leaving a lasting impact on the students of Cambridge. The winner of the Outstanding Contribution has won because, from their nominations across different categories, they have shown an immense impact and contribution to the lives of many students. Despite being a new society this year, they have provided an essential space and support for students across Cambridge that has contributed to reducing isolation and lack of community. They have consistently provided meaningful opportunities for over 700 of their members to support them to explore university life, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. They run a wide variety of events including networking events, flash talks, pub nights, formals, college tours, weekly lunches, afternoon teas, museum visits and gallery trips.