Ece wins national student prize for academic excellence
A University of Bradford student who was part of a scholarship to encourage women to continue their research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has received a national prize.
Ece Karadal, a MSc Advanced Biomedical Engineering student, has been awarded an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Student Prize for her academic excellence.
Ece, 26, from Turkiye, said: “I feel truly honoured to receive the IET Student Prize.
“For me, this is not only a recognition of my academic performance, but also a special milestone in my journey as a researcher.”
Ece Karadal has been awarded an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) student prize. Images credit: University of Bradford
Women in STEM
Ece started studying at the University of Bradford in September 2024 thanks to its Partnership with the British Council Women in STEM scholarship programme.
The fully funded scholarship aims to help address the underrepresentation of women in STEM by providing opportunities for women to continue with their studies and research in STEM subjects.
She said: “I believe that diversity in science and technology is the key to real innovation, so this award is also a motivation to keep contributing in that direction.
“I also felt encouraged by the strong women in STEM community here [at Bradford], which made me feel part of something bigger.”
Ece’s research work
Ece’s studies at Bradford included completing an MSc research project in which she designed a prototype designing and developing a wearable device for infants with hearing loss.
The design was evaluated with infant paediatric patients, which found the device had adequate battery life and reliable wireless control and was comfortable and safe for infants to use.
Ece’s study concluded her vibro-tactile device was safe and effective for infant trials but requires further larger clinical studies before it is made available to parents.
Ece Karadal with her work on a device for infant hearing loss. Images credit: University of Bradford
More on the IET Student Prize
The IET Prize and IET Manufacturing Engineering Student Prize are awarded every year to outstanding students who are doing, or have completed, an IET Accredited University course.
Recipients like Ece are nominated by their University academics and receive a certificate and two years of free IET student membership.
Dr John Buckley, Programme Leader for the MSc in Advanced Biomedical Engineering in the University’s School of Engineering, who nominated Ece, said: “In obtaining more than 70 per cent for all her taught modules, Ece has shown academic excellence over a relatively broad range of biomedical engineering modules, including Clinical Biomechanics, Telemedicine and E-Health, and Big Data Visualisation.
“She has done this with constant enthusiasm and a smile on her face.”
Ece’s future plans
Following the completion of her studies at Bradford this month, Ece aims to continue in research and development and complete a PhD to combine engineering in healthcare and biotechnology.
Ece’s achievement shows the University of Bradford’s strategic commitment to inclusive innovation, global engagement and research that makes a difference. Her scholarship and success as a woman in STEM support the strategic goal of diversifying talent and empowering underrepresented groups. This story highlights how Bradford nurtures excellence and impact through its student-centred, research-driven approach.