Game-changing alumni recognised at awards ceremony
24 October 2025
On Thursday 23 October, winners of the 2025 30(ish) awards returned to Cardiff to celebrate their achievements at a special event.
The annual 30(ish) awards celebrate the achievements of graduates who have made a positive contribution to their community, and all before they hit 30. Well, 30(ish). See the full list of winners.
With winners travelling from near and far to collect their awards, the event provided an opportunity to reconnect with Cardiff, their fellow alumni, and take a stroll down memory lane.
Hosted by 2024 winners and BBC Radio 1 presenters Sam MacGregor (BSc 2020) and Danni Diston (BA 2019), the evening saw awards presented by the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of outstanding achievement across a wide range of fields.
On the night, the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award was presented to Dr Olamide Oguntimehin (MBBCh 2021) who founded the charity Melanin Medics when she was a student. Under her leadership, the organisation has supported hundreds of Black students to pursue a career in medicine and thrive.
This year’s 30(ish) Alumni Awards showcase an extraordinary range of achievement, and Olamide stands out as a remarkable example of the positive change our graduates bring to society. Presenting her with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award was a privilege. Through her leadership and advocacy, she is opening doors to medicine for those who have long been underrepresented and helping to shape a fairer, more inclusive healthcare system. Olamide’s impact is profound, and she exemplifies the very best of Cardiff University’s values.
The People’s Choice Award – voted for by past and present winners – was also announced. This year it went to Paralympian turned surgeon, John McFall (MBBCh 2014).
The 2025 winners represent a diverse range of industries and include leaders, innovators, and change-makers making an impact in areas from sustainability and healthcare to culture, sport, and education.
The evening was a true celebration of Cardiff’s global alumni community and the remarkable ways its members are helping to shape a better future.
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30(ish) winners 2025
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Social Impact
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Health and Wellbeing
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Entrepreneurship
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Environmental Activist
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Equity Advocate
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Innovation
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Wales to the World
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Journalism and Media
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Vice-Chancellor’s Award winner Dr Olamide Oguntimehin (MBBCh 2021)
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17 – 19 July 2026. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, join us for an unforgettable celebration for Cardiff alumni.