News

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.

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.

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.

NCL in Action 2024/25: An exciting year ahead

Following our successful launch last month, we’re excited to continue to deep dive into how AI and future technologies could transform our lives through a series of upcoming events and opportunities.

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.

Connecting our global alumni community

Latest update on the Annual Meeting of Convocation

Award-winning initiative expands global opportunities for students

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

Helping our students navigate the rising cost of living

As the economic landscape grows increasingly challenging, research reveals the toll it’s taking on students here on campus. We connected with those currently benefiting from financial support to learn how the generosity of our alumni and supporter community is empowering Newcastle’s next generation.

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.

NCL in Action 2024/25: Uniting our global community to explore AI’s impact on our world

We're excited to announce NCL in Action 2024/25, a year-long series of events and volunteering opportunities designed to unite our community to explore the opportunities and challenges posed by modern technology and AI.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tyler Cant: A Seasonaire's Journey

Tyler Cant (Economics and Finance BSc, 2022), co-founder of the award-winning seasonal hiring platform Ski, Seasons, Smarter (SZN), shares his inspiring journey from graduate to entrepreneur.

Meet the graduate embarking on just over a 1000-mile cycle challenge to support brain injury care and the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research centre

The centre launched in November 2014 and is run by Newcastle University, in partnership with the NHS. It brings together and consolidates Newcastle's distinguished, international, and world-leading record in research and care for neuromuscular diseases. It's focus is on the development and application of genomic and translational medicine to improve the health outcomes of people living with neuromuscular diseases.

Celebrating our inspiring alumnae

In honour of Women’s Equality Day, we’re spotlighting some of Newcastle University’s remarkable graduates who are breaking barriers, driving change, and making a significant impact in their respective fields.

World Entrepreneurs Day 2024: Celebrating Newcastle graduates transforming industries

This World Entrepreneurs Day, we’re celebrating Newcastle University graduates who have founded innovative businesses and are reshaping industries with the support of Newcastle University’s START UP Founderships programme.

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.

PhD student wins Climate Investment Challenge alongside teammates

Huge congratulations to Newcastle alumnus and current PhD student Will Ovenden (Zoology BSc, Wildlife Management) who has won the Climate Investment Challenge in London this year!

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.

Newcastle University Great North Run Team

The iconic Great North Run returns to the region this September. This year we have an incredible team of alumni, staff, and supporters: Team Newcastle, running to raise funds for students who need it most.

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!

A brief history of Castle Leazes

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

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).

Supporting our students with the rising cost of living

Research has shown the debilitating affect the current economic climate is having on students on campus right now. We spoke to students currently receiving financial aid to understand how our alumni and supporters are helping the next generation of Newcastle graduates face this challenging time.

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.

Honorary professor and renowned British archaeologist publishes a one-of-a-kind book with the contribution of several alumni and staff at Newcastle University

Newcastle University’s honorary Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, FRSE, HonFSAScot, Hon MIFA has released a book in response to the felling of the beloved tree in the Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall which many considered a national treasure.

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.

Team Newcastle sporting success in 2023/24

As the summer term fast approaches, we take a look back at some of the sporting highlights from Team Newcastle so far this academic year – including a triumph over local rivals Northumbria University in the annual Varsity competition!

Mum knows best!

We reached out to graduates on social media to discover those that had followed in their mum’s footsteps to study at Newcastle University.

Engineering alumnus wins at British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in France

Huge congratulations to Newcastle alumnus Souhail Aboulfadile, who has won the Science and Sustainability award at this year’s Study UK Alumni Awards in France!

Myeloma Awareness Month: 1999 graduate raises over £50,000 for potentially life-saving blood cancer research

Physiological Sciences alumnus Peter McCleave was diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, in 2017. Since then, he’s been on a mission to boost awareness and funding to provide hope to patients like him.

Meet the Politics graduate taking a stand for young people

Megan Lambert graduated from Newcastle University with a first-class degree in Politics and International Relations last summer. Since she was a teenager, she has been vocal in promoting opportunities for young people from underrepresented groups.

New Alumni Achievement Award categories unveiled for 2024 – and nominations now open!

Three new categories have been launched for the 2024 Alumni Achievement Awards, celebrating the best of Newcastle University’s 270,000-strong global alumni community.

Meet the Accounting and Finance graduate supporting the next generation of underrepresented students

Since graduating from Newcastle University in 1988, Avnish Goyal CBE has enjoyed a successful career in the care industry as the founder of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes. Now, he is paying his success forward through scholarships for new Newcastle students facing hardship.

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.

Meet the recent graduates helping schoolchildren in Newcastle reach their potential

Eve Hemsley (BA Sociology, 2021) and Megan Haley (BA English Literature and History, 2021) are Education Workers at the IntoUniversity Newcastle East centre in Walker. Here, they inspire schoolchildren aged 7-18 and show that a university education is for all.

University graduation medallion dating back from 1888 discovered in Australian vegetable patch

A medallion awarded to a Newcastle Medical School alumnus upon their graduation in the late 19th century has been unearthed in the unlikeliest of places – a back garden in East Perth, Australia!

Recent graduate publishes debut dystopian thriller following completion of Creative Writing MA

English Literature and Creative Writing alumna Sally Grey has recently celebrated the publication of her first novel, Fertile Ground, a story that began life on campus while Sally was completing her Master’s.

Meet the Class of 1944 alumnus who dedicated his career to supporting deaf children

Dr Geoffrey Chaytor, who graduated in Medicine from King’s College in 1944, spent his career supporting young children and babies with hearing difficulties and lobbied the government to provide these children with a quality education. This is his story.

Valentine’s Day: Alumni love stories from the past 6 decades

We *love* love, don’t you? To celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024, we asked our alumni community to share the tale of how they met their significant other on campus. In this blog, you can read our favourites!

Two North East legends from our alumni community join NCL in Action 2024 programme

We’re excited to be welcoming two Northern powerhouses, Jimmy Nail and Kim McGuinness, to speak at the launch day of NCL in Action 2024 at St. James’ Park on Friday 1 March.

Students' Net Zero innovations celebrated by alumni-founded Reece Foundation

Engineering students have had their innovative Net Zero solutions recognised in a competition hosted by local charity The Reece Foundation, which was founded by renowned North East engineer, businessman and Newcastle University alumnus Dr Alan Reece in 2007.

Nine international graduates announced as finalists in British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards

Nine Newcastle University graduates across Africa, East and South Asia, Europe and the Middle East have made the finals of this year’s Study UK Alumni Awards, celebrating their impact and dedication in their respective fields. Congratulations all!

World Cancer Day: Meet the recent graduate who has survived cancer and is now helping other young people facing chemo

Mollie Mulheron (BA Modern Languages, 2020; PGCE, 2022) was diagnosed with stage four Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in February 2023, shortly after returning from working in the Galápagos Islands. Now in remission, she has published a book sharing her experience and top tips to support other teenagers and young people living with cancer.

Former NUSU Athletic Union Officer embarking on 500-mile cycle challenge for motor neurone disease charity

Fergus Mainland (BA Politics, 2021), who was Athletic Union Officer for Newcastle University Students’ Union in 2021-22, will be cycling 500 miles from Nice to Rome in March 2024 as part of the global ‘All Roads Lead To Rome’ challenge.

Celebrating 25 years of PARTNERS

This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of the PARTNERS programme at Newcastle University, one of the most well-established supported entry routes to higher education of its kind.

Meet the Psychology graduate helping the people of Newcastle find love this Valentine’s Day

Ben Mellor (BSc Psychology, 2016; MSc Clinical Psychology, 2020) is the founder of Newcastle-based dating agency NCL Dates, which has been holding speed dating and blind dating events in the North East since 2022.

Uniting our global alumni community to raise young people’s aspirations

We’re excited to start the year by announcing the programme for NCL in Action 2024, a month-long series of events and activities to bring together the Newcastle University community to raise aspirations in education and employment.

Newcastle Medical School alumnus and retired surgeon publishes memoir

David Clarke, who studied at Newcastle Medical School from 1961 - 1966, has recently published the first volume of his memoir, detailing his time at the university and his days as a junior doctor in the city’s hospitals.

Newcastle alumni recognised in King’s New Year Honours

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

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-founded business wins Institute of Engineering and Technology Start-Up of the Year Award

Huge congratulations to Newcastle graduate Dr Joe Penhaul Smith (BSc Marine Biology and Oceanography, 2015), who is celebrating his business Sustainable Sailing winning the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Start-Up of the Year Award 2023.

PhD graduate makes final of Study UK Alumni Awards in China

Huge congratulations to Dr Jinwei Zhang (PhD Biotechnology, 2011) who was shortlisted in the Science and Sustainability Award at the 2023-24 British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in his home nation of China.

Do universities of today prepare students for the workplace of tomorrow?

With degrees costing more than ever before and ever-evolving technologies changing the world of work, we recently asked our alumni community: do universities prepare students for the workplace?

Christmas in Newcastle 2023

The festive season is in full swing here in Newcastle: Greggs have plenty of festive bakes in stock, the ice-rink is open outside the Life Science Centre for those brave enough, and of course, Fenwick's Christmas window display has been revealed!

Celebrating the difference alumni volunteers make around the world

With International Volunteer Day just round the corner (5 Dec), we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the alumni who volunteer to lead our Alumni Networks around the world. These Networks offer a welcoming community for graduates across generations to connect with, and learn from, each other, and make a difference in their local area.

23 amazing achievements from our alumni community in 2023

As another year ends, we’re looking back at all the amazing things our alumni community have achieved over the past 12 months.

‘A towering figure in higher education’: Remembering Sir Eric Thomas

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Professor Sir Eric Thomas, the inaugural Chair of the Advisory Board for the philanthropic Campaign for Newcastle University.

World Kindness Day: How our alumni community are stepping up for the next generation of Newcastle graduates

This World Kindness Day, we’d like to celebrate the kindness and generosity of spirit shown by our global alumni community in supporting current students at Newcastle University to thrive.

Story idea that began on campus transforms into published YA novel

Creative Writing alumna Sue Reed is celebrating the publication of her first novel, The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn, today (28 October), a story that began life while Sue was still a student at Newcastle University. We spoke to Sue to find out more about Molly, and how she found returning to university at the age of 58.

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.

Modern Languages graduate walking the coast of Great Britain for homelessness charity

In August 2023, Claire Allen (BA Hons French with Spanish, 2001) set off from John O’ Groats on an epic year-long charity challenge that will see her cover the entire 5,000-mile coastline of Great Britain – on foot! - to raise awareness and funds for national homelessness charity, Shelter.

Class of 1982 graduate receives prestigious award in recognition of lifelong career in the protection of cultural artefacts

Professor David Gill, who studied Classical Studies at Newcastle University from 1979 – 1982, was awarded the Cultural Heritage Protection Initiative Award at the International Arts and Antiquities Security Forum (IAASF) Conference in September 2023. Huge congratulations!

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.

Meet the Newcastle graduate campaigning for Afghan families abandoned by allied forces after the war

Newcastle University graduate Larisa Brown (BA Politics and History, 2010) is celebrating the publication of her first book, The Gardener of Lashkar Gah, which covers the true story of an Afghan family whose lives were put in danger when the US and its allies withdrew from the country in 2021.

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: Three lessons for working in Financial Services

Katie Molyneux (BSc Economics, 2015) shares the lessons she wishes she knew at the start of her career in the Financial Services 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.

Celebrating 40 years of life-saving cancer research at Newcastle University this World Cancer Day

Researchers, clinicians, technicians and leaders at Newcastle University have worked quietly and tirelessly over the past 40 years, contributing to the national effort of doubling cancer survival rates and giving people living with cancer hope and options.