News

5 years on from the pandemic: How one PhD graduate harnessed AI to speed up COVID-19 testing in India

When the world was shut down in March 2020, Dr Rishab Kapoor (MRes Immunology, 2013; PhD, 2018) stepped up. Using the knowledge gained from his studies at Newcastle University, Rishab led India’s first COVID-19 testing laboratory to become one of the fastest globally.

Graduate and 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winner leading the way in stroke research and awareness

Fiona Moss (English Language and Literature, 2013) received the Outstanding Social and Civic Contribution award for her work with the Natalie Kate Moss Trust (NKMT), a charity dedicated to advancing research into haemorrhagic strokes and promoting public awareness around stroke prevention and blood pressure management.

Law alumnus wins at British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in Qatar

Huge congratulations to Newcastle University alumnus Barry Solaiman, who has won the Science and Sustainability Award at this year’s British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in Qatar.

Graduate and PhD student leading the way in net zero research

Freddie Young, a current PhD student in Mechanical Engineering and recipient of the Tony Trapp PhD Studentship, is revolutionising research in hydrogen combustion.

Live from the Carabao Cup final: Focus, aggression, joy

On Sunday 16 March, Newcastle United Football Club succeeded in what, for generations of fans, was unthinkable. They beat rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup – the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years – and set the region alight.

Alumni volunteers face a grilling from current PR students

Members of our alumni community recently sat in the hot seat for quick-fire interviews with current Global PR students on campus.

Student suburbs: Then and now

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we explore how some of the most popular suburbs with Newcastle students have changed over the decades.

AI tools, 6-hour working days and waving goodbye to presenteeism: could this be the answer to burnout culture?

The UK has been identified as potentially the least productive country in Europe, which may be surprising to those entrenched in its overworked and exhausted workforce. To improve work-life balance and employee morale, campaigners are currently pushing for a 4-day week, with hopes this will then lead to more productivity.

How alumni volunteers are fostering belonging for Black and other Global Majority students in our School of Engineering

Members of our alumni community are giving back to current students by creating a supportive network for our Black and other Global Majority engineers of the future.

“Chess was a safe world for me to escape into growing up in Iraq”: Chemical Engineering alumna competes in BBC Two’s Chess Masters

Class of 2019 graduate Deema Khunda fell back in love with chess when laboratories closed in lockdown, having first learned the game as a child growing up in Baghdad. Just four short years after attending her first competition, Deema is taking on the UK’s best amateur chess players in BBC Two’s Chess Masters: The Endgame.

Class of 1994 English graduate celebrates win at Oscars for screenwriting

Huge congratulations to alumnus Peter Straughan (BA English, 1994) who won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film Conclave at the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month.

From Newcastle to New York: Meet the volunteers building an active alumni community in the Big Apple

With almost 4,000 Newcastle University alumni residing in the United States, a dedicated group of graduates have joined together to develop a new Alumni Network in New York and the tri-state area, providing opportunities for alumni to connect and support their alma mater.

From Newcastle to New England: New Alumni Network established on the East Coast

With almost 4,000 Newcastle University alumni residing in the United States, a dedicated group of graduates have joined together to develop a new Alumni Network in New England, providing opportunities for alumni to connect and support their alma mater.

The impact of the Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship

The Women’s Giving Circle, a network of successful alumnae and friends of Newcastle University continues to empower female students. Women remain underrepresented in certain subject areas, and the Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship plays a vital role in breaking barriers and inspiring young women who aspire to pursue careers in these fields.

World Book Day: Graduate publishes debut poetry collection exploring loss, renewal, and resilience in the Middle East

Shahad Alfaili (MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL, 2019) has recently published her debut poetry collection, Swimming: Poems for Hope After Grief, a powerful exploration of loss and renewal.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025: Pioneering marine biologist and graduate leads global seagrass conservation efforts

In honour of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025, we are proud to highlight the work of Leanne Cullen-Unsworth (Marine Biology, 2000), an interdisciplinary scientist, marine conservation advocate, Charity Co-Founder and CEO of Project Seagrass.

Transforming lives; Newcastle University and the Goyal Foundation

We were delighted to welcome back Avnish Goyal CBE (Accounting and Finance, 1988) and his wife, Anita Goyal MBE, to connect with the students who benefit from the Goyal Foundation Scholarship programme.

Our trailblazing alumni leading the AI revolution

Our NCL in Action theme of exploring AI's impact on our world continues into 2025. To showcase the incredible impact of our alumni in the space of AI and modern technology, we are highlighting two exceptional graduates transforming the AI landscape: Dr Jerzy (Jurek) Kozyra (PhD Computer Science, 2017), Founder and CEO of Nanovery, and Dev Koshti (BA Business Management, 2024), Founder of Altus.

Valentine’s Day: Alumni best friends through time

To celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025, we asked our alumni community to share their stories of meeting lifelong friends while studying at Newcastle University. In this blog, we’ve gathered some of their heartwarming memories.

How our scholarships are transforming lives

As we step into the new year, we’re delighted to showcase the wide range of scholarships we award annually, made possible by the generosity of our donors.

Newcastle alumni recognised in King’s New Year Honours

18 Newcastle University alumni have been named in King Charles III’s New Year Honours list, recognising their dedication and success in their respective fields. Congratulations all!

Announcing our latest Alumni Achievement Awards winners

Congratulations to James Battensby (BSc Biochemistry, MSc Environmental Engineering, 2002), Jing Sun ((MA in Media and Public Relations, 2014) and Dr Harry Patria (PhD Data Science, 2022) who are the first winners of the year.

Amazing achievements from our alumni and supporter community in 2024

As another year ends, we’re celebrating some of the standout achievements from our community over the past 12 months. From impactful initiatives to ground-breaking research, our graduates and supporters continue to inspire and create meaningful change worldwide.

Over £200,000 raised for the Future Fund by our long-time supporters

In 2024, Tracy and Robert Sinton marked ten years of community fundraising for the University by hosting the ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ ball in memory of their late son, Joseph. The Future Fund supports vital PhD studentships at our Wolfson Childhood Cancer research centre.

International Migrants Day 2024: Multi-award-winning filmmaker and graduate enriches migrant communities through arts and film

In honour of International Migrants Day 2024, we are proud to highlight the work of Dr Evripidis Karydis (Media, Culture and Heritage, PhD, 2020), a lecturer in Film Practice. Dr Karydis uses art and film to create safe spaces where diverse communities can connect and share their experiences while raising awareness of the challenges migrants face.

Our alumni wrapped: musicians topping our playlists

As Spotify Wrapped inspires us to reflect on the music that defined our year, we’re spotlighting the talented musicians from our alumni community who have left their mark on our playlists.

Connecting our global alumni community

Latest update on the Annual Meeting of Convocation

Meet our graduate and newly appointed Senior Partner of PwC UK and the Middle East

Marco Amitrano (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1992) recently sat down with us to share insights into his career journey, PwC's commitment to education, and his advice for recent graduates.

Introducing Rawaa Qasha: 2024 Alumni Award Winner and Associate Professor at the University of Mosul

Rawaa Qasha (Computer Science PhD, 2017) received the award for Outstanding Global, EDI and Intercultural Contribution.

Trailblazing alumnus to take on one of world's toughest rowing challenges for charity

In December 2025, graduate Jamie Kidd (Accounting and Finance BSc Hons, 2021) alongside four teammates, will attempt to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to break a world record and raise funds for charity.

Award-winning initiative expands global opportunities for students

Support from the Newcastle University Student Fund helps increase access to international experiences.

Meet the graduate who is using music and art to drive societal change

Hannabiell Sanders (PhD in Music Performance 2016, Masters in Music Performance 2010) has performed across the globe sharing her passion for music and social justice while building communities and addressing issues of inequality.

Newcastle University announces partnership with Raymond James, Monument to support IntoUniversity Newcastle

This initiative aims to provide life-changing opportunities for young people facing disadvantage across Newcastle through education support and outreach.

Children’s Cancer Awareness Month: Inspiring graduate tackles childhood leukaemia with Combat Cancer’s support

Phoebe Snow, a Biochemistry graduate and current Cancer Studies PhD student at Newcastle University, is making significant strides in childhood cancer research.

Inspiring graduate continues to advance groundbreaking research into Myeloma

Physiological Sciences alumnus and Myeloma patient Peter McCleave raises over £50,000 to fund new research into incurable blood cancer.

The Enterprising Futures Academy, established by one of our inspiring graduates, is coming to Newcastle University to support ambitious students and alumni

Global entrepreneur Rob Wood (MBA, 1992) has joined forces with Newcastle University to help enterprising young people gain the tools, confidence, and support they need to be successful in life and business through the Enterprising Futures Academy.

Meet three inspiring members of our Wheelchair Basketball team

They share how their involvement in the club has reignited their passion for sports and helped them build strong communities at university thanks to the support of The Newcastle University Student Fund.

Meet the graduate whose journey to Newcastle University was shaped by her Grandfather's inspiring memories

Recent graduate Hebe Foulsham (Economics and Management, 2024) followed in the footsteps of her late grandfather, Peter Foulsham, who studied Agriculture at King’s College, Newcastle, in 1948 and graduated with a BSc Honours in 1952. Both Hebe and Peter cherished their time at Newcastle University, creating lasting memories that spanned generations.

Legacy gift to support diabetes research

Thanks to the vision and foresight of our late friend and supporter, Ray Wilson, we hope the cure for diabetes is one step closer.

Alumni Award Winner 2024: Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin

Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin (BA English Literature, Fine Art Drawing and History of Art, 2010) received the award for Outstanding Social and Civic Contribution.

The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation, established by one of our inspiring graduates, continues to support STEM students

For the second consecutive year, the foundation was host to the TCT SMF Rising Star Award.

Congratulations on graduating from Newcastle University! What happens now?

All your hard work at university has paid off, and you’re now the proud owner of a Newcastle University degree – congratulations! To help you transition from student to graduate life, we spoke with Class of 2023 alumna Sara Kozakova to get her top tips.

Meet the recent graduates helping artists in Newcastle reach their potential

Maria Winter and Sam Harris (Contemporary & Popular Music, 2021) co-founded a female-led live events company that supports diverse local musicians through innovative, interactive entertainment.

A brief history of Castle Leazes

We look back at the life and times of Castle Leazes since its opening in 1968.

Newcastle alumni recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

We are proud to announce twelve Newcastle University graduates have been named in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list, acknowledging their dedication and success in their respective fields. Congratulations all!

German and Scandinavian studies alumni from around the world reunite at Newcastle to celebrate 50 years since their student days.

In April 2024, we welcomed 15 German and Scandinavian studies graduates back to campus to mark 50 years since they first enrolled at Newcastle University. We caught up with two members of the group after their visit to find out more about life at Newcastle University in the 1970s, and where life has taken them since they graduated.

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards

We are proud to announce the Newcastle University graduates who have won this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards: Mark Davis (BA Social Studies, 2000), Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin (BA English Literature, Fine Art Drawing and History of Art, 2010) and Rawaa Qasha (PhD Computer Science, 2017).

From Newcastle. For the Olympics.

As the Summer Olympics in Paris fast approach, we reflect on the achievements of our alumni Olympians and Paralympians over the years. Looking to the future, we are excited to share the news that a record number of our rowing alumni have been announced to compete in this year's Games.

Pride Month 2024: Celebrating a Newcastle graduate who is making a difference and inspiring inclusion

This year, we are delighted to highlight the work of one of our inspirational alumni who is making positive changes within their local community and beyond.

Newcastle University Alumni Honoured as Fellows of the Royal Society

The prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS) recognises exceptional scientific achievement. This year, three Newcastle University alumni – Patrick Chinnery, Maria Harrison, and Yanick Crow – were bestowed with this esteemed honour.

Meet the charity leader and Newcastle University graduate who has become one of the first ever people to abseil the Empire State Building

Avnish Goyal CBE has added to his long list of amazing feats by completing the ‘never done before’ challenge to raise funds for a pioneering UK youth partnership.

How my time as Union President helped me rise to the top at ITV: An interview with Dianne Nelmes

Having recently elected a new cohort of Sabbatical Officers on campus, we caught up with Class of 1973 alumna turned broadcasting juggernaut Dianne Nelmes to reminisce on her own experience as Students’ Union president.

Chinese Graduation Ceremony for Newcastle University

Newcastle University has celebrated the achievements of students from across South East Asia in its graduation ceremony in Shanghai, China.

Successful alumnae join forces to launch scholarship to support the next generation of female STEM students

The Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship will empower female undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. The first awardees are students in our Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering – subjects that are sadly still male-dominated.

Gilbert and Sullivan student society of 1980s still going strong

Alumni who were members of Newcastle University’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society from 1981 – 1992 have been reuniting every two years in Yorkshire for over two decades, with the latest reunion featuring a performance of 'The Zoo' by Sullivan and Rowe. We caught up with the organisers, Jo and David Hartley, to find out more.

Alumni make 560-mile journey from Norway to Newcastle to celebrate 50 years since student days

On 18 October, we welcomed 11 Norwegian Newcastle University graduates back to campus to mark 50 years since they first arrived in Newcastle as Engineering and Naval Architecture students.

A history of Freshers’ Week at Newcastle University

Next week, a new wave of students will arrive on campus from all around the world ready to start their time at Newcastle University. Even before they’ve stepped foot in a lecture theatre, lifelong experiences and connections can be made during Freshers’ Week. And with this year being 60 years since the first Freshers arrived at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, we thought it apt to delve deeper into the history of this student tradition.

An interview with Clare Talbot-Jones, your new Deputy Chair of Convocation

We caught up with modern languages graduate and North East-based business leader Clare Talbot-Jones to find out more about her ambitions for her term as the new Deputy Chair of Convocation.

Newcastle University Halls past and present

Uni Halls are where memories are made. Whether you had the best time and made friends for life or couldn’t wait to move out, you’re sure to have memories that you’ll never forget.

Newcastle through the decades

Our alumni community have witnessed monumental changes to the University and city of Newcastle upon Tyne over the past six decades. Read on to travel through the decades and reminisce on your time at Newcastle (or discover what’s happened since you left!)

University Sailing Club alumni reunite in Tynemouth to celebrate 50 years since last racing together

13 former members of Newcastle University Sailing Club returned to the North East recently to mark 50 years since they raced together. The group celebrated at The Grand in Tynemouth and even held a ‘friendly’ team race against current students on Derwent Reservoir!

Sector Spotlight: My experience in Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)

Zahid's studies have led to a career in Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO), tracking how people use websites and making improvements to reduce the frustration we all feel when navigating the internet! We caught up with him to find out what it's like working in this sector.

Sector Spotlight: What it's like working in Marketing

MA Creative Arts Practice graduate Lewis Brown reflects on his career as a marketer and shares his top tips for getting into the sector.

I didn’t want a “proper job” and I am proof that it’s more than okay if you don’t too

Chloe Hall (BA English Literature, 2012) knew that the graduate scheme route wasn't for her when she finished her studies. Instead, she set up her own digital marketing agency Bumble and Bloom Media, which has grown into a multi-award-winning enterprise working with some of the world's biggest brands.