Two students awarded Kellogg funding to advance impactful research

We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Anne McLaren Award for Excellence: Niamh Tooher and Riddhi Panja. This prestigious award recognises outstanding Kellogg students in the sciences and social sciences, providing both financial support and a platform to share research with wider audiences, with a particular focus on supporting women and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Niamh Tooher is undertaking an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery (m. 2022). Her research addresses the urgent need for forest recovery in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a globally important biodiversity hotspot where only 24% of the original forest remains. Developed in collaboration with Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica, her project uses satellite data and spatial analysis to examine patterns of forest regeneration across 170 municipalities. By comparing different categories of protected areas, Niamh’s work explores how conservation policy can better support long-term forest recovery and climate resilience. The award will support field visits to Brazil this summer, enabling her to engage directly with local practitioners and contribute to international restoration policy discussions.

Riddhi Panja, an MSc student in Social Interventions and Policy Evaluation (m.2025), is conducting important research into the relationship between gender-based violence and mental health in South Asia. Drawing on qualitative evidence from eight countries, her work examines how abusive relationships shaped by social and economic inequality can contribute to suicidality among women. Building on previous work with the Government of India and UN Women, Riddhi’s research aims to strengthen trauma-informed approaches to violence prevention and support systems for women across the region.

The award will support the dissemination of both researchers’ work through publications, policy engagement, and collaboration with practitioners and organisations working to address global challenges. Each recipient will receive £1,500 in recognition of their academic excellence and the wider impact of their research.

The Anne McLaren Award is named in honour of pioneering developmental biologist Dame Anne McLaren, in celebration of her commitment to scientific excellence, opportunity, and supporting the next generation of researchers.