Building a sustainable future through action and innovation
“My time as a Student Futures Assistant truly nurtured my passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy.”
Meet Elizabeth – Cardiff student and sustainability innovator.
Her work has taken her from auditing NHS dental practices to designing compostable medical tools, all while championing greener healthcare solutions. Now, she’s growing her startup through the Mercedes-Benz BeVisioneers Fellowship.
Working closely with her remit leader, she was encouraged to volunteer with SOS-UK, where she audited an NHS dental practice. That experience opened her eyes to a surprising gap: healthcare is rarely featured in climate advocacy.
This discovery sparked a deeper investigation into the sustainability of medical tools. Elizabeth found that only a small proportion meet NHS sustainability standards - a troubling insight that inspired her to act. She began designing tools that could safely break down or be composted, offering a practical step toward reducing long-term waste in healthcare.
Her vision? To not only reduce environmental impact but to encourage broader innovation in sustainable medical products.
“I am truly grateful to the Student Futures and Work Experience teams for their unwavering support and belief in my potential; without their guidance and encouragement, my journey wouldn’t look the way it does today!”
Turning ideas into action
Beyond her startup, Elizabeth played a key role in planning and delivering Cardiff University’s 2025 Sustainability Careers Panel as a student representative. This led to work experience with EPWales, where she helped improve their online student careers hub.
“Each opportunity strengthened my skills, expanded my network, and deepened my commitment to sustainable careers.”
Her journey didn’t stop there. Encouraged by the support she received, Elizabeth submitted her idea to the Mercedes-Benz BeVisioneers Fellowship, securing a place in the 2025 cohort. She also entered the university’s Startup and Freelance Awards with Santander, winning:
- First Place in the Innovative Idea category
- Audience Choice Award
- Funding to grow her business
Looking ahead
Now, Elizabeth is continuing to grow her startup through BeVisioneers and preparing to begin a new role as Environment and Society Intern at Chatham House. Her time as a Student Futures Assistant laid the foundation for a career focused on sustainable healthcare and environmental policy.