The Bridge Alumni Awards

Since 2021, The Bridge Alumni Awards have recognised alumni who have given their time, energy, and expertise to support students and help our wider alumni community grow and connect. 

The new Bridge Alumni Awards shine a light on the many ways our graduates are making a difference, including leading businesses, championing sustainability, and embodying the University’s values of innovation, collaboration, and social purpose.

Rising Star Award  

This category celebrates early-career alumni who are making exceptional contributions in their field and showing great promise as future leaders or changemakers. 

Winner: Callum McCormack, Scots Law (2023) and Professional Legal Practice (2024)

As a trainee lawyer with Duncan and McConnell Solicitors in the city and Club President of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Callum is very much a rising star in Dundee, both professionally and within the community.  

Callum has represented clients in criminal solemn matters which is exceptionally rare at this stage in his career, guiding clients with compassion and optimism.  

In his role as Club President of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, a renowned Dundee institution, he leads the Board of Trustees. Under his leadership, the club has blossomed, with increased membership, re-established holiday camps, new partnerships across the city, and the creation of a recreational running group, Get Fit Get Fast. 

A proud Dundonian and former Baldragon Academy pupil, Callum is a successful athlete in his own right, including being crowned Scottish University 800m Indoor Champion. 

Trailblazer in Enterprise Award 

This award recognises alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership, or impact in business, entrepreneurship, or enterprise. 

Winner: Djoko Siswanto, Master of Business Administration (2003)

Djoko has played a crucial part in the energy evolution of Indonesia, steering the nation from fossil-fuel dependency toward a sophisticated, multi-energy future. 

Appointed as the Head of SKK Migas, the Indonesian government institution established to manage upstream oil and gas business activities, in late 2024, he has revitalised the organisation. He has turned Indonesia into a regional pioneer for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS/CCUS), overseen record-breaking investments of $16 billion, and ensured that National Strategic Projects (PSN) like Abadi Masela incorporate emission-reduction technologies. 

In his previous role as Secretary General of the National Energy Council, he became a primary driver behind the Renewable Energy Bill (RUU EBET), brokering partnerships to make Rooftop Solar PV a reality for everyday citizens. 

He has been described as not just a regulator but a visionary architect who has proven that with the right leadership, the energy industry can be both a legal stronghold and a laboratory for innovation. 

Sustainability Champion Award 

This category acknowledges alumni who are leading the way in advancing sustainability, through research, practice, or advocacy; inspiring positive environmental or social change. 

Joint Winner: Graeme Munro-Hall, Dentistry (1971)

Graeme has been instrumental in moving the dental profession toward a more sustainable future through his advocacy to end the use of dental amalgam, a filling material that is 50% mercury. Many dentists – and patients – are unaware that between 226 and 322 tonnes of mercury are used for amalgam annually around the globe, making the dental profession one of the largest users of mercury.  

As chief dental officer of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, a voluntary position, Graeme has taken on this source of mercury pollution through advocating for mercury-free dentistry at treaty talks for the Minamata Convention on Mercury, both INCs and COPs, since 2010 and providing the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry team, government officials, environmental NGOs, and fellow dentists with data on mercury pollution, technical expertise on alternatives to amalgam, and updates on scientific and policy developments. 

As a result, he won a treaty amendment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in November 2025 that will phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgam. He is also successfully advocating for a regulation to ban amalgam use in the European Union as of January 2025 (as well as the prior ban on amalgam use in children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers) and shifting the World Health Organization’s position on amalgam to include support for phasing out amalgam and adding mercury-free filling materials to its Model List of Essential Medicines.  

Joint Winner: Laura Anderson, Environmental Science (2018)

Laura has successfully campaigned for a ban on single use vapes in Scotland and beyond. Laura first created a TikTok video, which was viewed over 10 million times, and this campaign led to a newspaper feature, followed by a meeting with several MPs. Later, a report on the issue was commissioned by the government, into the impact of single use vapes on the environment and young people. Laura's campaigning led to a direct ban on the sale of single use vapes in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which was imposed on 1 June 2025. 

Before the ban on the sale of single use vapes, nearly 5 million single use vapes were discarded or littered weekly in the UK, which is the equivalent of 8 single use vapes being incorrectly disposed of each and every second. 

Based in Scotland, Laura has been heavily present at recent COP events, including COP30 in Brazil where she provided a range of coverage for UK media outlets. 

Laura uses her Instagram and other social media accounts to promote small (and big) switches towards sustainable living practices such as installation of solar panels, upcycling projects, use of soft plastic bins and so much more. On Instagram alone, she has over 45k followers. 

The Bridge Award 

This category celebrates alumni who are connecting the world of academia with the world of work, demonstrating the intrinsic value of their Dundee degree. 

Winner: Matthew Wilde, Architecture (2019) 

Matthew has consistently applied academic research directly within professional architectural settings. In professional terms, he has contributed to live architectural projects in New York, including a large townhouse development, working across concept design, drawings, and construction coordination. 

Alongside professional practice, Matthew has continued to test research through real evaluation frameworks. His design research has been submitted to international competitions, where it has been assessed by independent juries and awarded first prizes including Kingspan-funded and Buildner-hosted platforms. These competition outcomes have resulted in substantial international coverage. His work has been published by ArchDaily, Designboom, AIA New York State News, Green Magazine, Archinect, and Bustler, extending its reach beyond academic audiences and into professional practice. Matthew’s work has also been exhibited at institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and La Biennale di Venezia.  

More recently, Matthew co-founded Reconstructing the Commons, a small collaborative practice that develops research-based work into competition entries, exhibitions, and invited lectures. The practice has already resulted in first-prize competition wins, scheduled exhibitions, and university invitations, demonstrating a direct line from research to professional and public outcomes. 

Transforming Lives Award 

This award continues to honour alumni who have made a significant difference to the lives of others through their professional work, community service, or humanitarian efforts. 

Joint Winner: Gordon Craig, Administrative Studies (1989)

Gordon has made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives through his work in global peacebuilding. After starting in various roles for the UK National Audit Office, his passion for humanitarian work led him to join the UN World Food Programme in 1998. During his time with the WFP, he has held various senior positions. Gordon’s work has given him the opportunity to work across the globe, offering him unique insights into global cultures and humanitarian efforts. 

In 2020, the UN World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger, promote peace in conflict-affected areas, and prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war. Gordon was stationed in Kabul, contributing significantly to the organisation's mission to support the most vulnerable populations there. 

As a member of the United Nations team awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Gordon played a vital role in initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts, delivering humanitarian aid, and fostering international cooperation. These efforts have brought tangible improvements to communities affected by war and instability, offering safety, resources, and hope where they were most needed. 

Beyond his global influence, Gordon has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to inspiring future generations. By donating his Nobel Peace Prize medal to the University of Dundee’s School of Business, he created a powerful symbol of ethical leadership and social responsibility.   

Joint Winner: Natasha Akpoti, International Oil and Gas Management (2012) and Petroleum Law and Policy (2013)

Natasha has made a profound and sustained difference to the lives of others through her leadership in public service, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to inclusive economic development in Nigeria. 

As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Kogi Central, she has consistently championed policies and legislative interventions that directly improve the welfare of underserved communities. Her work has focused particularly on access to education, women’s empowerment, youth employment, and accountability in the extractive and energy sectors—areas that affect millions of lives in resource-rich but historically marginalised regions. She has also made a significant social impact through targeted community initiatives, including educational scholarships, vocational training programmes, and mentorship for young people—particularly girls and young women. 

Natasha has applied her legal and policy expertise to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive and industrial sectors, most notably through her advocacy on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, giving voice to affected communities and workers. As Senator for Kogi Central, she has supported access to education and economic opportunity through scholarships, skills training, and community advocacy.  

Her work has inspired young people and women nationwide to engage in civic leadership and advocacy, demonstrating that committed action can bring measurable social change. Through education, policy reform, and civic engagement, she has created tangible improvements in both opportunity and quality of life for thousands of Nigerians. 

Lifetime Achievement Award  

This award recognises alumni whose long-term commitment, excellence, and leadership have had a profound and lasting impact in their profession, community, or on society. 

Joint Winner: Michael Gordon, Medicine (1966)

Michael is a leading geriatrician and medical ethicist in Canada. He was the first physician awarded the new Certificate in Geriatric Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and began as a geriatrician at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto with a cross-appointment to the Baycrest Centre of Geriatric Care. In 2009 he became Head of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai and VP Medical Services at Baycrest Centre responsible for supervision and consultation for the care of the elderly and their families.  

Retiring in 2019, he is now at the Toronto Memory Clinic (Alzheimer’s Society, Ontario) and the new Toronto Metropolitan University serving an underprivileged area with consulting and teaching. 

His wide-ranging output includes training of geriatricians and ethicists, nurses, social workers, family physicians and psychiatrists, books, articles, numerous interviews, commentaries and podcasts. 

This award recognises his outstanding leadership in geriatrics and medical ethics and his lasting impact on society through clinical care, training, and medical publications. 

Joint Winner: Peter Mossey, Dentistry (1983)

Peter is an internationally recognised leader in craniofacial development, orthodontics, and global oral health. His career spans more than thirty years of pioneering research, clinical excellence, and global oral health advocacy. Currently Professor of Craniofacial Development and Honorary Consultant in Orthodontics at the University of Dundee, he also serves as Director of Research of the British Orthodontic Society; and Past President of the IADR Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network (GOHIRN). 

Professor Mossey has played a central role in establishing global consensus on craniofacial research. His contributions to understanding craniofacial anomalies, particularly cleft lip and palate, have helped to shape that field. He has over 298 publications and 247 presentations at national and international conferences. His lifetime research funding exceeds £14.8M, including major awards from MRC, Wellcome Trust, NIH, and UKRI.  

As a result of his sustained and high-level contribution to dental leadership and research, Peter has been awarded with fellowships to the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.  

Peter’s legacy is embedded in global science, oral health policy, reducing inequalities and equitable access to care. His research has transformed understanding of the genetic and environmental risk factors for cleft lip and palate, leading to some of the most cited publications in the field. Indeed, Peter is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in cleft lip and palate.