海角黑料

Portrait photo of Emma Etim

Emma Etim, a researcher at the 海角黑料 and also a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Geography, has been named a 2026 U21 Leader of the Future, receiving international recognition for his outstanding research, leadership and commitment to widening participation in higher education. 

The award was announced on 21 April at the Universitas 21 Annual Network Meeting and Leadership Summit in Glasgow, bringing together senior leaders, researchers and students from across the global U21 network. Emma was recognised in the Current Student Category, which celebrates exceptional emerging scholars whose work and values are shaping the future of global higher education. 

Emma’s research explores how environmental responsibility is shaped across cultural, institutional and behavioural systems. His work is already contributing to international conversations around sustainability, policy and social responsibility, positioning him as a researcher whose impact extends well beyond the academy. 

A Research Journey Shaped by Opportunity 

Emma’s path to this global stage powerfully reflects the strength of the university’s educational offer and research culture. His PhD journey began at the 海角黑料 Malaysia campus, he later transferred to the UK campus. Since transferring to the UK campus, Emma has received two nominations, including one by Professor Nigel Mongan, Associate Pro-vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) to attend the Universitas 21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership in Sweden, a series of experiences that together illustrate the impact of Nottingham’s super‑curricular and global opportunities at their best. 

These moments of development, enrichment and connection culminated in Emma receiving this prestigious U21 Leaders of the Future Award, underlining how sustained investment in researcher development creates confident, outward‑looking research leaders. 

The Role of the Researcher Academy 

Central to Emma’s success has been the support provided by the university’s Researcher Academy, which plays a vital role in nurturing Nottingham’s research talent. Through its inclusive training programmes, development pathways and strong research community, the Researcher Academy has supported Emma to grow not only as a scholar, but as a leader with a clear sense of purpose and global responsibility. 

Emma spoke warmly at the event of the university and the people who supported him along the way, expressing genuine affection for Nottingham and gratitude for the encouragement of his PhD supervisors and assessor; Dr Thom Davies, Dr Chris Ives, Dr Karma Choedron, and Professor Sarah Jewitt, department, colleagues including Professor Nigel Mongan, teams across Research and Innovation, and his funder – Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and to the VC Professor Jane Norman,. Those who work closely with students and Early Career Researchers will recognise this sentiment in many others, but it was especially heartening to see it so clearly articulated on an international platform. 

Emma said:  “This recognition affirms my belief that research and academic work are most meaningful when they enable others to imagine new possibilities and contribute to meaningful change.” 

Leadership Beyond Research 

Alongside his academic work, Emma is deeply committed to widening participation in higher education. He mentors students and works with The Brilliant Club to support young people from underrepresented backgrounds to access and succeed at university. 

As part of the U21 celebrations in Glasgow, Emma was also invited to contribute to the inaugural U21 Leadership Summit, ensuring student and early‑career researcher perspectives were included in discussions shaping the sector’s future. He joined a high‑profile panel which also included Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of UK Sport and Chancellor of the University of Glasgow; Professor Sir David MacMillan, Nobel Laureate, Princeton University; and Linda Cowan, Managing Director, Kaplan International Pathways to discuss “Opportunity for all: reimagining access to higher education”, sharing insights from his research and widening participation work alongside global higher education leaders. 

Celebrating Nottingham’s Research Culture 

Emma’s achievement is a source of pride for the university and a powerful testament to what can be achieved when research excellence, inclusive culture and researcher development are embedded across the institution. 

His recognition as a U21 Leader of the Future highlights the impact of Nottingham’s research environment  from international study pathways and super‑curricular opportunities to the dedicated support of the Researcher Academy and the difference this makes in enabling researchers to thrive and lead on the world stage. 

Congratulations to Emma Etim on this exceptional achievement. 

Caption: Left to right: Baroness Katherine Grainger (Olympic Gold Medallist, Rowing); Emma Etim (海角黑料 / U21 Leader of the Future Award) Linda Cowan (MD; Kaplin International); and Professor Sir David MacMillan (Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2021).