Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has won a leading sector award for outstanding international student support.
LSTM’s Student Experience and Wellbeing team took home the Student Support Award (Physical and Mental Wellbeing) at the #WeAreInternational Awards 2025, organised by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
The team were recognised for creating a “proactive, inclusive support model rooted in research, data, and compassion for their uniquely diverse student body”, with around 50% of students from sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.
Judges were impressed by LSTM’s “early wellbeing support to phased inductions and support for late arrivals, the team has created a welcoming, resilient, and supportive postgraduate environment. Their innovative, research-informed work ensures every student is empowered to succeed -personally, socially, and academically.”
Dr Martyn Stewart, Head of Student Experience at LSTM, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for the team for this national recognition of their work supporting our international students and building a student community.
“Many international students can face challenges adjusting to a new country and education system and many arrive having left family, support networks, or difficult circumstances behind. The team work tirelessly to help our students settle and thrive, so winning this award means a huge amount to us all!”
The team who received the award include Dr Stewart, Mia Lindfield, Michelle Nkhalamba and Tracey Clare.
The #WeAreInternational Awards celebrate the contributions of students, universities and staff to the delivery of a world-class international student experience in the UK.
LSTM’s Dr Anushri Somasundaran was also shortlisted as a finalist in Alum of the Year category.
At a ceremony at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on Thursday, 13 students, staff and institutions received awards, each demonstrating an exceptional commitment to delivering a positive experience for international students.
Winners were shortlisted from over 420 entries from over 120 institutions across the UK, selected from 63 finalists and chosen by expert judges.
Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive of UK Council for Student Affairs, said: “ The #WeAreInternational Award winners showcase the people and partnerships that make the UK a leader in international education. At a time when policy changes continue to challenge the sector, it’s heartening to see so many creative and empathetic approaches to deliver the best possible experience for international students in the UK.”