The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two of our PhD researchers, Laura Utume and Kainat Bibi, who have recently been recognised for their excellence in research and science communication at major international and university-level events.
Laura Utume wins double at the University of Greenwich 3MT competition
In a stunning display of clarity, passion and storytelling, Laura Utume earned both the Judge’s Prize in the Faculty of Engineering and Science Heats and the People’s Choice Award in the University Final of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at the University of Greenwich.
Laura’s award-winning talk condensed her PhD research into a three-minute presentation on how plant-based therapeutic foods can help repair gut health and support recovery from severe acute malnutrition. Her ability to transform complex nutritional science into a story that resonated across disciplines highlighted the importance of accessibility and public engagement in research.
‘This experience reminded me how powerful storytelling can be in science communication,’ Laura reflected. ‘It feels pretty great to turn gut health into a compelling story.’
Below is Laura’s winning video.
Kainat Bibi wins second prize at prestigious EWRS Symposium
Meanwhile, in Spain, Kainat Bibi brought international acclaim to NRI by winning Second Prize in the Poster Presentation Competition at the 20th European Weed Research Society (EWRS) Symposium, held 1–4 July 2025 in Lleida. Kainat presented a poster on ‘Assessing the current status of Vulpia myuros as an arable weed in the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland.’ The study assessed the distribution and impact of Vulpia myuros in arable crops through a farmer survey and is also one of the chapters of her PhD thesis.
This globally recognised event brought together over 330 participants from 40 countries, featuring 60 oral and 70 poster presentations on the latest advances in weed science. Kainat’s poster stood out among fierce competition, earning her an award for excellence in scientific communication and research impact.
‘I’m thrilled to have received this recognition among so many incredible researchers,’ Kainat said.
Photos from the award ceremony and full details of the winners can be found in the official EWRS announcement.
Both Laura and Kainat exemplify the excellence and impact of NRI’s postgraduate researchers, whose work addresses some of the world’s pressing challenges – from food security and nutrition to sustainable agriculture and weed management.
Their recent successes are not only personal milestones but also a testament to the supportive, research-driven environment cultivated at NRI. These awards reflect a commitment to making science accessible, globally relevant and deeply impactful.
Congratulations to both Laura and Kainat, your achievements inspire us all.