UEL Alumnus wins prestigious sustainability award

Dr Hashem Taher wins the British Council award for ground-breaking work in urban sustainability after gaining his PhD at the University of East London

The British Council have announced that University of East London alumnus Dr Hashem Taher has won the Science and Sustainability category of their annual Alumni Awards. The award recognises graduates of British universities who have distinguished themselves in the fields of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements.

Dr Taher studied at UEL’s School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) between 2018 and 2021. His PhD research into the impact of green spaces in cities was a significant influence on plans to make London the biggest national park in the world by 2050. He now works as associate dean at the University of Hertfordshire’s branch campus in Cairo. He received his award at a ceremony organised by the British Council in the Egyptian capital.

Professor David Tann, Dean of ACE said,

I was so pleased to learn of Dr Taher’s nomination and subsequent win in the sustainability category. Being recognised nationally in Egypt is certainly an honour. We are always proud to know that UEL alumni go on to achieve further excellence. Our faculty share in what must have been a remarkable evening for Dr Taher. The faculty at the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering wish him many congratulations.” 

In a LinkedIn post, Dr Taher acknowledged his recognition as a finalist: “The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries. Thirty-eight per cent of Nobel laureates who studied abroad studied in the UK. Thanks to the UK for the quality education that I received during my masters, my PhD and even my work there, which has been recognised in the UK, Australia and, finally my country Egypt. ”The British Council noted that Dr Taher’s research outcomes have affected the lives of 9.8 million Londoners directly and indirectly by helping transform central London's polluted streets into green corridors. He has continued his work fighting climate change on his return to Egypt, working with both the Ministry of Higher Education and the Environment Ministry to support their work in COP27.

Dr Taher’s achievements are a particular source of pride at UEL, given the University’s Vision 2028 strategy, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The seventeen development goals are an urgent call for action by all countries working together in a global partnership to build a better, fairer, and more sustainable world. UEL is committed to being net zero carbon by 2030, with a roadmap aimed at effecting change on all campuses via renewable energy, reduced energy consumption and supporting sustainable businesses. The University has a long history of supporting research into sustainability. UEL’s Sustainability

Research Institute, established in 2001, was one of the first such dedicated research centres in the UK and has since built an excellent international reputation by applying ground-breaking research and development in the real world.

2024 is UEL's 'Year of Science', which will celebrate and explore the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science. With a special focus on bringing science to new and underserved audiences, the year will offer workshops, immersive experiences, performances and a range of other events open to all and free to attend.

Discover more about our Sustainability Research Centre.