We are currently recruiting for student callers to work on our 2023/24 Telephone Fundraising Campaign. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly team in which you can build your skills, make a difference, and gain fundraising experience. Applications can be submitted through our online form. (more…)
Author: Bailey Anastasiades
‘You first need to understand what your fellow human beings are up against and try to empathise’ Latif Ismail on global development
We were fortunate to speak with one of this year’s esteemed honorary graduates, Latif Ismail (MSc 2014, Hon LLD 2023), CEO of Transparency Solutions and Co-Director of Somali First. Somali First is a joint initiative of Transparency Solutions and the University of Bristol, launched in 2014 to promote Somali-led development through impartial facilitation, research and education.
Latif is also Managing Director of Horn Risk Management, Co-Investigator & Hub Leader of Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures. (more…)
Watch our panel discussion, Bristol in Conversation: Our Natural World
This spring, we were honoured to host our first annual Bristol in Conversation event. It was an amazing opportunity for so many alumni and friends to make new connections and reconnect with old classmates, while hearing from two of our remarkable alumni speak about their careers in wildlife filmmaking. Dr Mike Gunton (BSc 1979), Creative Director of BBC Natural History, and Gillian Burke (BSc 1995), presenter of BBC Springwatch, offered insightful discussions on our changing world and how documentaries can help engage the public.
The event was held on campus, but for those of you unable to attend, we’ve put together a video featuring the most memorable moments. Click the video below to watch! (more…)
Bristol alumni recognised in 2023 Honours lists
Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours recognise a group of exceptional individuals, each of whom have made a positive and lasting contribution to society. This year, they were announced just after another set of awards, those of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Resignation Honours. These 19 outstanding Bristol alumni have been acknowledged for their services to health, environmental science, politics, education and more.
We admire their commitment to service and are exceedingly proud to showcase their achievements. (more…)
Lord Evans of Weardale, former Director General of MI5, on balancing security and ethics
Lord Evans of Weardale KCB DL (BA 1980, Hon LLD 2008) is the former Director General of MI5, the British Security Service. He graduated from the University with a degree in Classical Studies before joining the Security Service in 1980, focusing on international and domestic counterterrorism. In 2001, he was appointed Director of the Service’s international counterterrorism work just ten days before the 9/11 attacks. (more…)
‘My scholarship has given me the space and the freedom to explore my path’: Chinelo on her Black Bristol Scholarship
Chinelo is studying a Master’s by Research in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and accessed an Opportunity Bristol Scholarship through the Black Bristol Scholarship Programme. (more…)
‘I want to work where there’s an opportunity to transform the current order’: Enna on her Black Bristol Scholarship
MSc student Enna discusses global environmental challenges and shares how Opportunity Bristol funding supports diversity in research. (more…)
‘Storytelling is one of the most universal things about the human condition’: Gillian Burke on the aims of documentary filmmaking

Gillian Burke (BSc 1995), is a biologist, presenter, public speaker, voiceover artist and writer. Gillian was born in Kenya and studied biology at Bristol before launching an incredible career as a wildlife documentarian that has taken her all over the world. She has been a co-presenter of the BBC nature series Springwatch and its spin-offs since 2017. She also presented BBC’s Blue Planet UK with co-host Steve Brown and was recently named Vice President at The Wildlife Trusts. (more…)
Meet our London Marathon runners raising money for Healthy Minds
This Sunday, an incredible group of five Bristol alumni and staff members are taking on the 2023 London Marathon in support of the University’s Healthy Minds programme.
This programme helps students who are experiencing mental health difficulties by providing a bespoke physical activity plan and access to sports facilities. Students are paired with a mentor – a member of the University fitness team with advanced mental health training – who coaches them throughout their time on the programme.
Each runner is aiming to raise at least £2,000 for Healthy Minds, and you can support them via their JustGiving pages linked below.
Introducing this year’s runners…
Super Bowl Sunday brings American football to Bristol
On Super Bowl Sunday, 12 February, the USA Society and the Bristol Barracuda American Football Team hosted a watch party to celebrate the big game and bring fans together. (more…)