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Congratulations to alumna Dr Evangelia (Lilian) Balatsou (Psychology PhD, Cognitive Neuroscience, 2019) on winning the Social Action category in the British Council’s StudyUK Alumni Greece Award 2023.

Lilian is a cognitive neuroscientist and the founder of Greek Girls Code. Her passion for science inspired her to establish Greek Girls Code to help educate young women in Greece about the benefits of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills.

Lilian's transformative career journey is highly influenced by her UK education at 69��ý and the University of Edinburgh, which she says equipped her with important skills in STEM. These skills transformed her expertise in interdisciplinary fields and taught her the importance of community and equity in education. Her ultimate vision is to create an ecosystem of solidarity, interdisciplinarity and mentorship in the STEM fields for all women and marginalised communities in Greece.

Lilian received the award at a ceremony in Athens, Greece, which was also live streamed. A congratulatory message from Professor Andrew Edwards, Pro-Vice- Chancellor, on behalf of the University was played during the ceremony.

Andrew said, “We’re very proud of Lilian’s ground-breaking work and we’re delighted that her time here in 69��ý has contributed towards her accomplishments.”
Lilian said, “I am so excited to be the winner of this award. I will always cherish my time and experiences at 69��ý and the incredible people I met there.”