Many of our students volunteer either here in Manchester, or elsewhere nationally or internationally. As a University we want to take time every year to thank these volunteers for the skills, commitment and tens of thousands of volunteers hours given. One of the ways we do this is through our annual Volunteer of the Year Awards.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards was a collaborative event between the University of Manchester and the Students’ Union. This annual ceremony brought together staff, students, and community organisation partners to recognise the extraordinary volunteering contributions of our students across a diverse range of projects. Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor, gave out the awards.

Each year we recognise volunteers in the following categories: Student of the Year undertaking volunteering that benefits the wider community; Student of the Year undertaking volunteering that benefits other students; and Student Group of the Year undertaking volunteering that benefits the wider community. Below are the 2025 winners in each category:

Students in the Community winner: Lily Turnbull

Lily Turnbull, a Zoology student in the School of Biological Sciences, has truly made her mark as a volunteer by advocating for tackling the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation. Since joining Once a Month (OaM) in 2023, Lily has become the Events and Social Media Manager. She launched the society’s newsletter, redesigned its website, and organised OaM’s first external event, raising over £300 and securing £1,000+ worth of sanitary products. Lily’s work focuses on destigmatising periods and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health education through events, outreach, and media, while improving volunteer engagement and supporting OaM’s mission of tackling period poverty. Lily also received the University Medal for Social Responsibility, part of the suite of established President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards.

Students Helping Students winner: Luman Zhou

Luman Zhou is an PhD Education student whose creation of the Global PhD Network in Education (GPEDU) represents a truly innovative and transformative platform that has made a profound impact on global academic collaboration. Through her leadership, she has organised 30+ events that have connected students from across the world, dedicated over 1,000 hours, and benefiting at least 5,000 postgraduate (PGR) students and scholars across the globe. GPEDU addresses the specific challenges faced by PGR students worldwide—such as academic isolation, mental health struggles, and the need for collaborative opportunities. Unlike conventional student networks, Luman’s network bridges the gap between local and international students, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.

Student Groups winner: Tree Musketeers

The Tree Musketeer’s Society are a group who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and created significant impact through their dedicated environmental conservation efforts. This student-led organisation consisting of six members has established strategic partnerships with key environmental stakeholders including Groundwork, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and Manchester City Council to deliver impactful conservation projects throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. Their innovative approach combines practical conservation with educational outreach, addressing both immediate environmental needs and long-term sustainability awareness. 

• For more information about Volunteering, please visit this website.