Celebrating Excellence at Inaugural Student Led GROW Awards
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences recently came together to celebrate its inaugural GROW Awards, honouring students and staff who have made an outstanding impact on the SBBS community. Led by student nominations, the event also introduced the GROW Agenda, a new framework designed to support collaboration, confidence-building, and shared learning beyond the classroom.
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences (SBBS) at Queen Mary University of London held its first-ever student-led GROW Awards ceremony yesterday, recognising staff and students who have made exceptional contributions to the school community.
The event celebrated achievements across multiple categories, with all nominations coming directly from students themselves. The awards ceremony also acted as the official launch of the school's GROW Agenda, which encompasses peer-led initiatives, co-curricular activities, and community-building programmes designed to foster belonging, build confidence, and deliver world-class learning opportunities to students.
Created for students, by students, the GROW Agenda is guided by the student GROWth Board and includes initiatives such as the Coding Club, Learning Café, and Lab Mentor Programme. These programmes provide students with opportunities to develop skills, receive peer support, and engage with the wider SBBS community beyond their formal studies.
The ceremony recognised a diverse range of accomplishments from students who had acted as outstanding student representatives, shown excellence in co-curricular engagement, and demonstrated outstanding dedication to their studies. Equally celebrated were staff members, also nominated by students, for the significant impact they have made on the student learning experience through excellence in teaching, outstanding academic advising, and excellence in inclusive teaching and learning.
"I feel grateful to receive this award, honoured to contribute to GROW and the university, and grateful for helping build a stronger community where students can learn together," said Natalia Sansour Zaghmoutt, winner of the Outstanding Co-Curricular Engagement Award.
“Getting this award for being a student representative for such an amazing cohort means so much!” said Najma Isa Farrah, winner of the Outstanding Student Representative Award.
GROW Awards Winners:
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Outstanding Student Rep Award |
Najma Isa Farrah
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Outstanding Student Rep Award |
Elli Skrika
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Outstanding Co-Curricular Engagement Award
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Natalia Sansour Zaghmoutt
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School Value Ambassador Award
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Adrita Adiba Miah
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Resilience, Perseverance and Dedication Award
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Isabella Stewart
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Kindness and Compassion Award
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Anna Chowdhury
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Outstanding Peer Leader
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Rhiannon Everest
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Outstanding Teaching Award
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Dr Jayne Dennis
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Inclusive Teaching and Learning Award
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Dr Ruth Rose
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Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience Award
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Dr Kashaf Junaid
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Outstanding Academic Advisor Award
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Prof Andrew Leitch
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Teaching Special Recognition Award
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Dr Stephen Buckingham
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Congratulations go to all the winners and every student and staff member who was nominated for an award. The awards ceremony and launch of the GROW Agenda highlight the school's commitment to recognising not just academic achievement, but also the importance of building a thriving community of learners, engaged in all aspects of the study of biological and behavioural sciences.