Bradford alumni wins Study UK Alumni Awards for AI research
University of Bradford graduate Dr Bashir Mohammed, a Senior Lead Gen-AI Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), has won a prestigious Study UK Alumni award.
He was presented with the award – winning the Science and Sustainability category – at a ceremony in Los Angeles yesterday (May 22).
Dr Mohammed’s work involves conceptualising and implementing AI integration for the enhancement of Intel’s Edge product, using generative AI and large language models.
Commenting on the accolade, he said: “Being selected as a finalist is a deeply meaningful honour. My time at the University of Bradford shaped my systems thinking, research rigour, and commitment to applying technology for public good.
Award winner Dr Bashir Mohammed, Senior Staff AI Architect at Intel and University of Bradford PhD. Image credits: University of Bradford
“This recognition reflects not only my personal journey but the transformative impact of a Bradford education. I also want to mention that both of my PhD research supervisors had a significant impact on my journey, Professor Hassan Ugail and Professor Irfan Awan, both from the School of Computer Science, AI and Engineering. I worked closely with them during my doctoral research and their mentorship played a foundational role in shaping my academic and professional trajectory.”
The awards are organised and run by the British Council to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals who have studied at UK universities and to showcase the global impact of a UK higher education.
Professor Ugail, said: “We are very proud of his successes at Bradford and his outstanding achievements as a postdoctoral research fellow at Berkeley. From the very beginning, he stood out for his intellectual rigour, creativity, and his determination to pursue research with real-world impact. His journey from doctoral study at Bradford to internationally recognised work at Berkeley reflects both your academic excellence and your commitment to using AI to address critical global challenges.”
The award was presented at a ceremony in Los Angeles, where he was recognised for his work using engineering innovation to tackle major environmental challenges.
Dr Bashir’s research centres on developing cleaner, more efficient solutions in energy and materials engineering. His research and applied projects focus on technologies that reduce environmental impact, improve performance and support sustainable development at scale.
The judging panel commended his contribution for its technical strength, pioneering approach and clear potential for real-world impact.
Dr Bashir Mohammed pictured with Professor Hassan Ugail, Director of the Centre for Visual Computing at University of Bradford. Image credits: University of Bradford
Two more on shortlist
Two more University of Bradford graduates were shortlisted as national finalists in the prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards 2026, recognising their outstanding achievements and global impact.
Matthew Amalitinga Abagna from Ghana and Joshua Alade from Nigeria were both shortlisted in the Social Action category at ceremonies taking place in Accra on 27 February and Lagos on 28 February.
Shortlist nominee Matthew Amalitinga Abagna. Image credits: University of Bradford
Matthew Amalitinga Abagna: Social Action (Ghana)
Matthew is known for his work advancing digital access and using technology to tackle social challenges in underserved communities and populations. His programmes support young innovators, strengthen digital skills at the grassroots level and create new opportunities for people entering the tech sector.
He said: “This recognition reflects a journey shaped by my roots. Growing up in rural Ghana, I witnessed firsthand how limited financial skills can hinder people, particularly women, in the informal economy. Those experiences motivated me to mobilise resources to deliver basic and practical financial literacy training. Reaching over 500 women, the initiative demonstrates how locally driven efforts can empower communities and enhance livelihoods.”
Matthew Amalitinga Abagna from Ghana and Joshua Alade from Nigeria will compete in the Social Action category at ceremonies taking place in Accra on 27 February and Lagos on 28 February.
Shortlist nominee Joshua Alade. Image credits: University of Bradford
Joshua Alade: Social Action (Nigeria)
Joshua, a finalist in the Social Action category, was selected for his contribution to educational access and youth development in Nigeria, where he has built initiatives that empower young people, enhance leadership pathways and respond to structural barriers affecting students across the country.
He said: “Being recognised as a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards is an honour and a reflection of the collective work we are leading through the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative. My time at the University of Bradford strengthened my commitment to evidence-based policy engagement. This nomination affirms our efforts to advance meaningful youth participation in Nigeria’s governance systems and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”
University of Bradford graduate Dr Bashir Mohammed is a leading AI and computer science specialist, whose career has taken him to work alongside world‑class researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US, collaborating with some of the world’s foremost scientists. His work reflects a strong focus on innovation, employability and real‑world impact, shaped by his doctoral studies at Bradford.
About the awards
The Study UK Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of international UK alumni worldwide. These awards honour international leaders who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries. Award categories include Business and Innovation, Culture, Creativity and Sport, Science and Sustainability, and Social Action.
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