UCL Engineering student wins two Social Mobility Awards

His work focused on using technology to improve the lives of underserved communities by addressing global challenges.

Study in UK: During the sixth annual Student Social Mobility Awards, UCL Engineering student Ali Issa won the Tech Sector Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award for achieving exceptional accomplishments in his studies and overcoming adversity.

Ali said, “For me this award symbolises the resilience and determination that have driven me from a refugee camp in Lebanon to a prestigious UK university. This achievement affirms the value of perseverance and hard work, reinforcing my belief that overcoming adversity is possible with dedication and support. Growing up in such a challenging environment has deeply influenced my approach to my future career. It reinforced my commitment to using technology to address global challenges and improve lives, particularly for those in underserved communities. My work on projects like the EU's NESTLER project, which aims to enhance food security in Africa, and my internship at Microsoft, focusing on AI technologies, are direct reflections of this commitment."

“These experiences have shaped my aspirations to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact through technology, underscoring the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the transformative power of education in achieving personal and professional success," he added.

About Ali Issa

He grew up in a Lebanese refugee camp where he completed his education at United Nations-funded schools. Ali recently graduated with First Class honours from UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering. He won the Student Social Mobility Awards for his efforts in improving the lives of those in underserved communities. Also, he used technology to address global challenges.

In October, he will start his PhD in Machine Learning and Pharmacometrics at the UCL Institute of Global Health and GSK. He will work to make the drug development process more efficient by using machine learning.

This award celebrates the exceptional achievements of undergraduate students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This year witnessed 349 nominees from 41 universities which is a record in itself.

Nick Bent, CEO of upReach, the social mobility charity behind the Awards said, “Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, events like the Student Social Mobility Awards take on even greater significance following the recent general election. These awards highlighted the incredible journeys of those who, despite times of economic adversity, have triumphed over significant obstacles to succeed. Their stories inspired guests and will continue to inspire future generations. It has been an honour to have celebrated the individuals and organisations dedicated to improving social mobility throughout the UK. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope for the future of social mobility.”

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