The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is proud to welcome two exceptional recipients of the British Council Women in STEM scholarship, Rubina Adhikari from Nepal and Sithuli Weerasinghe from Sri Lanka, who are embarking on journeys in their respective fields of environmental science and food innovation. These talented scholars exemplify the power of education and the role women play in addressing global challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The British Council Women in STEM scholarship is a prestigious programme that supports women from the Americas, South Asia, and East Asia in pursuing master's degrees in the UK in fields addressing global challenges. Their aim is to reduce barriers for women in STEM, particularly those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged regions.

Rubina Adhikari, a forestry graduate from Nepal, has joined NRI's MSc programme in Global Environmental Change. Growing up in a country that faces severe repercussions of climate change despite minimal greenhouse gas emissions, Rubina was driven to explore sustainable solutions. Her collaborative work with international teams and advocacy for policy change has highlighted the importance of global cooperation in tackling environmental crises.

At NRI, Rubina is eager to deepen her understanding of innovative strategies to combat environmental degradation. She is particularly excited about the programme's focus on solutions-oriented research and hands-on applications. Rubina's long-term goal is to become an environmental analyst, using her skills to address challenges faced by lower-middle income countries like Nepal.

Sithuli Weerasinghe, a biotechnology graduate from Sri Lanka, discovered her passion for food innovation during her undergraduate research on optimising mushroom cultivation. Recognising the potential of science and technology to revolutionise food security, Sithuli aspired to create nutrient-rich, affordable food products to benefit communities in lower income countries.

Now pursuing an MSc in Food Innovation at NRI, in future Sithuli would like to make use of cutting-edge technologies and mentorship opportunities to turn her ideas into reality. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to the global food industry, creating innovations that promote sustainability, improve nutrition, and have a positive impact on her home country of Sri Lanka.

Through their work and advocacy, these scholars embody the transformative power of education and the British Council Women in STEM scholarship. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of women to tackle global challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities.