Author Archives: I Arden

Bells of Hope: Birkbeck UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship collaboration rings out at international convention on cluster munitions

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Esther Breithoff is a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Archaeology and Heritage, and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow based in Birkbeck’s School of Historical Studies. In this blog, her collaborator, Danae Hendrickson shares the story of ‘Bells of Hope’, a creative collaboration that brings attention to the continuing impacts of unexploded ordnance.

In September 2026, Bells of Hope travelled to Vientiane, Laos, for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The project comprises a film and a collection of bells made from metal war debris left by the US Secret War in Laos. Together, they brought the ongoing realities of living amidst unexploded ordnance to an international gathering of more than 800 delegates.

Bells of Hope is part of Dr Esther Breithoff’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project, Ecologies of Violence. It was created in collaboration with artisans in Ban Naphia, Xieng Khouang Province, ARTICLE22, Legacies of War, Humanitarian Media Agency, and Birkbeck’s Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies, with creative input from ecological and social artist Antony Lyons. Watch the Bells of Hope film trailer here.

Bells of Hope forms part of Dr Breithoff’s project’s wider exploration of “red zones” – places where violence lingers in landscapes, materials and everyday human and more-than-human lives long after the fighting has stopped.

In France, Dr Breithoff and postdoctoral researcher Dr Matthew Leonard collaborated with the Durand Group, Veterans Affairs Canada and artist Antony Lyons to explore the cordoned-off red zone at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The resulting Ecologies of Violence exhibition brought together information panels, a 3D scan of the restricted woodland and the artistic film Zone Rouge / Red Zone: Back Forest Reflections. Together, these offered different ways of encountering a landscape that remains inaccessible to the public because of unexploded ordnance and unstable wartime tunnels.

You can read more about the Vimy exhibition, its later showing at Birkbeck’s Peltz Gallery, and watch the film trailer.

Below, Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications for Legacies of War, reflects on how Bells of Hope came into being, where the bells and film have already travelled, and where they are going next. All photos by Danae, unless indicated otherwise.

The two films, Zone Rouge / Red Zone: Back Forest Reflections and Bells of Hope, will be shown in full together at Birkbeck Cinema in Spring 2027 for a screening and conversation in collaboration with the Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image and The Derek Jarman Lab.

A New Future Forged

A connection to the country of Laos gifts you access to a small world of people who understand travel, culture, and war differently than most. It was in this group that we, Legacies of War, connected with Dr Esther Breithoff in 2023, but her journey to Laos began many years before. A Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Archaeology and Heritage, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Deputy Director – Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies at the School of Historical Studies Birkbeck, University of London, Dr. Breithoff had long been researching Red Zones and particularly, as she so aptly writes, “how conflict lingers, shaping landscapes and lives as an unwanted inheritance.” This led her to a small village in Northeastern Laos, Ban Naphia, Xieng Khouang, and to the social enterprise, ARTICLE22.

Photo: Artist studio, Ban Naphia, Xieng Khouang, Laos, Kayleb Lee, Legacies of War

Dr. Breithoff and ARTICLE22’s Founder, Elizabeth Suda, began to explore a new collaboration inspired by both resilience and urgency. Artisans in Ban Naphia have long been creating everyday use items and jewelry made from recycled metals left behind by the U.S. bombings on Laos, which ended more than 50 years ago. What they hoped to create in partnership with these artisans was a collection that invited renewed interest from the global community toward addressing the work of clearing bomb-filled land in Laos. In 2024, Dr. Breithoff returned to Laos, this time with Legacies of War. Her time spent traveling with Lao diaspora and peace activists in Laos, provided deeper insight into how international communities engage on the issue of mine action. Legacies of War were invited to join this collaboration, to ensure that those still impacted by this war are centered.

One year later, the collaborative project, The Bells of Hope became a reality in 2025 through Dr. Breithoff’s Ecologies of Violence, Birkbeck and funded through its Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship. Production of The Bells of Hope began – new molds were 3D printed, shipped from the U.S. to Laos, and hand delivered to the remote village in Xieng Khouang Province. Ban Naphia artisans methodically crafted this new collection and after many trials the prototypes were perfected. Dr. Breithoff returned to Ban Naphia together with ARTICLE22 and a local film crew, Humanitarian Media Agency, to capture the process of making the bells and of daily village life – the feeding of the chickens, chopping firewood, steaming sticky rice, and gathering around the fire to eat and also to create. The clappers of these ombré polished bells are designed to pay homage to the very first pieces that these artisans crafted decades ago – spoons.

Photo: Spoon making in Ban Naphia, Xieng Khouang, Laos, Kayleb Lee, Legacies of War
Photo: Filming of Bells of Hope, Ban Naphia, Xieng Khouang, Laos, Esther Breithoff

Both The Bells of Hope physical bells and the film were nearing the finish line, with ecological social artist Antony Lyons bringing his creative eye to the fine cut during the film’s post-production. It was time now for this collective to share them with the world.

Ringing The Bells of Hope

The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munition as hosted in Vientiane, Lao PDR this September 2026. As Laos hosted the world for this historic event, they called it a homecoming for the CCM as the First Meeting of States Parties was in Laos in 2010. For Legacies of War, attending this convention felt like a homecoming, too. As a Lao American and women led organization, the duality and weight of sharing this history with the world is ever present. We were the only representation from the U.S. at this conference, and we took on the role with honor. We had the opportunity to show representatives from more than 100 countries that this is an issue that the American public cares deeply about. Despite what they may be experiencing directly with the U.S. in their own countries or what they witness in the media, Legacies had the opportunity to share our unique framework of how we have grown American support and attention toward this issue over the last 22 years.

Photo: Cyrus Kanga

Our exhibit highlighted our three pillars: history, healing, and hope. Our goal was to inspire other countries impacted by war and cluster munitions that healing and change is possible by engaging those with lived experience and centering our stories. For the history of the U.S. bombings on Laos, raising awareness more than 50 years after the war ended is no easy task. It requires constant renewed investment from artists, writers, researchers, diplomats, veterans, youth, and diaspora communities. The collaboration with Dr. Breithoff’s Ecologies of Violence, Birkbeck, Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and ARTICLE22 provides new ways for the public to learn and engage with this history – ways that Legacies of War is not able to access with storytelling alone.

Expanding the conversation through art

Legacies and ARTICLE22 exhibited directly next to each other at the conference, alongside just 8 other international organizations. Ready to engage with the more than 800 attendees, we centered The Bells of Hope bells and film. From the day before the conference began, you could hear the bells ring throughout the massive corridors of the convention center. During the week as attendees visited our exhibits, the bells seemed to be the first item that would draw people in and as soon as someone playfully rang it, it brought joy and curiosity – “Why a bell?” “What is it made out of” “Where can I buy one?” As soon as we responded with our intent to ring these bells in the halls of Congress, you could immediately see the understanding land so clearly. When our voices are not loud enough or welcomed, when our appearance is itself political, the sound of the bells enter the rooms ahead of us and create common ground.

If attendees were familiar with the concept of the recycled metal jewelry, they would still approach with curiosity about the bell – allowing the opportunity for us to share our story in full and get to know theirs. Sera Koulabdara, CEO Legacies of War, would share her experience of growing up in Laos and bomb shells that would be used as school bells. Her childhood memory was very important to The Bells of Hope project as it helped inspire what object would share the story of the daily impact of UXO in Laos.

A couple of very special moments with the bell was Metta Thippawong, Director of COPE ringing the bell and Legacies, ARTICLE22, and H.E. Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, and Chair for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM) ringing the bell at the center of the conference just before the closing ceremony.

The Bells of Hope film did not always match the pace of many of the attendees who were walking around the exhibits, but for those that stopped to watch we noticed that they watched it in full – not just a few seconds but the entire 20 minutes and sometimes even longer if they missed the beginning as we had it looping. This film meets a critical need as the last films and documentaries made on the American Secret War in Laos were released a decade or more ago. This new film will continue to invite greater attention and support to address the legacies of war in Laos.

This conference was a much different audience than we normally reach. Here, each person is well acquainted with what a cluster munition is and yet few knew the details of the immense bombing campaigns on Laos and the risk that remains across all 18 provinces. As viewers watched the slow and seemingly uneventful day of the artisans of Ban Naphia making the bells, it provided a unique opportunity for foreigners to have a real look at village life in Laos; enjoying uneventful and average days while also surrounded by bomb identification posters and repurposed bomb casings into boats, spoons, and tools. The film showcases the haunting reality of the normalization of war in the most bombed country per capita in history.

Legacies of War looks forward to showing this film in more dedicated settings, and sharing The Bells of Hope with The U.S., in the halls of Congress, schools, diaspora community centers, The United Nations, and around the world for decades to come.

Thank you to Dr. Breithoff, Ecologies of Violence, Birkbeck, Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and ARTICLE22, for the generous support and partnership that made this project possible. It is our hope that all Red Zones of the world have access to such beautiful opportunity for collaboration to share their stories and heal their land.

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Replacing Charlie Kirk: Can conservative politics hold on to Gen Z?

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In this post, Professor Emerita of Social and Cultural Geography, Melissa Butcher, draws on writings from her book, The Trouble with Freedom: Love, Hate and America’s Future, to examine how current conservative politics is attempting to reach and engage Gen Z audiences.

It’s been just over a year since the murder of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), an activist network primarily organising conservative youth. In 2024, Kirk was lauded in MAGA circles for persuading a significant number of young people, especially young men, to vote for Trump. Today, as with other segments in Trump’s coalition, that Gen Z support is dissipating and there is no clear successor who can bring them back to bolster Trump’s flagging administration in the upcoming November mid-term elections.

Kirk was undoubtedly smart, charismatic and driven. He was able to communicate the real challenges facing young people (affordability, housing, student debt, the threat of AI to future job prospects), even if his solutions (more free market, conversion to Christianity and expulsion of migrants) were untenable.

His loss leaves a vacuum in the conservative universe, and a question of whether Kirk’s replacement will tilt towards even more violent rhetoric as a thin solution to intergenerational injustice. With the uptick in subscribers to commentators such as Nick Fuentes, the answer is possibly yes, but the one thing Kirk was able to do that others have not is build a movement.

The TPUSA ecosystem now supports over 1500 college chapters and 1200 high school Club Americas.1 They have created several organising platforms that train activists, mobilise young people to vote, and extend outreach to community networks. There is a stream of media content to support their work, including the eponymous podcast, the Charlie Kirk Show, now hosted by his former producers and some-time co-presenters, Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff. It has almost 2 million subscribers.

The messaging is much the same as when Kirk was alive: their version of American culture, ‘patriotism, [Christian] faith, family and freedom’, must be restored and defended from those regarded as attacking those values. The latter includes immigrants, Islam, the ‘radical left’, and ‘western, liberal feminists’.

However, with the mid-terms likely to see the loss of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate, this messaging has become sharper, with dire predictions for the future if the Democrats win back control. Railing against a ‘mass demoralising campaign’ on a recent podcast, Kolvet warns young conservatives that if they don’t vote they will ‘hand power over to the people that want you dead, that mocked Charlie’s death, that want to take wealth from white people to give it to not-white people’. They criticise ‘Republicans In Name Only’ (RINOs) who stand in the way of freedom. But their condemnation of the establishment is followed by a plea to young people not to burn it all down by allowing Democrats to get back into power.

There is good reason for young people to feel dissatisfied at the state of politics and the corrosion of democracy more broadly. Even those who organise for TPUSA at times express discontent. At a Chapter Leaders panel in July, broadcast on the Charlie Kirk Show, students’ frustration focused on the Iran war and questions of trust in the administration. Trump’s inability to tackle affordability, particularly housing and the cost of petrol, was a key driver of disappointment. Promises to fix things have yet again been broken. Some spoke of giving Trump his two more years, but then figuring out who they will support after that.

In a swirl of conspiracy theories following Kirk’s death, including that TPUSA may have been involved, the organisation has also had to respond to questions of trust. Even more mortally wounding to his legacy, Kirk has become a little cringe according to some reports, and once that happens his influence with all but the most devoted will slip further away.

Despite the disillusionment, no black-pilling is allowed on the Charlie Kirk Show. There can only be optimism and action. Negative polling is rigged, like elections, and part of a ‘mass psy-op’. Kolvet and Neff embrace their underdog status and hope to defy the odds, calling on listeners to show up and play their part; chase ballots, get people registered, vote.

But it sounds hollow without the force of Kirk’s personality, and the contradictions have become all too evident. For example, just how do you address the precarity young people face without critiquing the economic system that got us here in the first place. There is heresy from a student on the Chapter Leaders panel when she makes a suggestion that the administration could raise the minimum wage (it’s presently just $7.25 per hour in her state) to help manage the cost of living. The idea is quickly shut down. It is a core mission of TPUSA to promote free market capitalism.

Yet for all the disagreement I have with many of Kirk’s views, he was able to see a void in young people’s lives and create something that would fill it. Rather than nihilism or apathy, he offered a sense of belonging and structures of support. He created an organisation that offered meaning, purpose and validation for conservative life choices.

For a politics that builds an alternative to our current tilt towards authoritarianism, there is a need to also address that void, creating support for young people that rebalances the scales of intergenerational justice without blaming immigrants and minorities. Maybe all it would take to start is just for political leaders to do what they say they will do and in so doing rebuild trust between younger generations and the decision making that will impact their future.

For more on why people may vote for authoritarianism, see Melissa’s new book,  The Trouble with Freedom: Love, Hate and America’s Future, Manchester University Press, 2026.

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Bringing the people of Dura-Europos back into the picture 

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Birkbeck’s Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies recently began a new heritage cooperation with Syria’s Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM). Hiba Alkhalaf, Carena Research Fellow in Sustainable Archaeologies, shares how a community event in Salihya, Syria, brought historic photographs of the Dura-Europos excavations back to the communities connected to the site. 


Dura-Europos is an ancient city on the Euphrates in eastern Syria. Excavations there in the 1920s and 1930s produced an extensive photographic record, but many of the local people who worked on the excavations were never named in the archive. 

The Faces of Dura-Europos project is helping to change this. By bringing historic photographs back to local communities, the project invites people to identify individuals, share memories and contribute local knowledge that can help build a fuller picture of the site’s history. 

In August 2026, the Carena Institute for Sustainable Archaeologies, working with Syrian scholars and community representatives and with the support of Syria’s Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), held its first community engagement and exhibition event in Salihya, near Dura-Europos. 

The Faces of Dura-Europos exhibition featured photographs from the 1930s excavations, including images of local workers whose names were rarely recorded. The project aims to reconnect these photographs with their descendants and with the wider communities around Dura-Europos, helping to bring names, memories and local knowledge into the archaeological record. 


The exhibition was attended by men, women and children from Salihya, Albukamal and the surrounding region. Visitors were introduced to the history and significance of Dura-Europos through a short presentation and specially designed project leaflets. 

The exhibition was organised around three themes: The Work, The People, and Local Lives and Landscapes. Alongside the excavation photographs, it explored traditional clothing, everyday life and the landscape around Dura-Europos. 


Visitors were also invited to contribute through the digital Faces of Dura platform, helping to connect the historical photographs with knowledge held within the local community. 

The event is part of a wider programme of work to strengthen connections between local communities and Dura-Europos. By bringing photographs from the site’s excavation history back to the people who live in the region today, the project aims to create a more inclusive record of the site’s past and support communities in having a role in its future.

Images courtesy of Faces of Dura/Asaad Alsaleh.

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Opening doors to the legal profession: meet Birkbeck’s newest Bar scholars 

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This year, several Birkbeck Law School students have been awarded prestigious scholarships to support their journey towards becoming barristers. These scholarships, awarded by the Inns of Court, help aspiring barristers undertake the vocational training required before they can practice at the Bar. For many students, receiving a scholarship is not only valuable financial support but also recognition of their hard work, commitment and potential. We spoke to this year’s recipients about their route into law, what the award means to them, and their hopes for the future 

André Buller 

Scholarship: Lord Denning Scholarship and Daniel Lett Scholarship 

Congratulations on receiving your scholarship. How did you feel when you found out you’d been successful? 

I was honestly very surprised. The application process includes an intense interview with a panel of practising barristers who are very poker-faced, so I had no idea how well I’d done. Getting notification of my success blew me away (and I was in the library, so had to try to respond calmly)! After the initial surprise, I mostly felt really encouraged. It meant that a panel of impartial experts all believed I was worth investing in for this exciting journey. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

Personal circumstances led to real engagement with law from a young age, which I found incredibly fascinating. My first proper inspiration to pursue law began later through my work. As a copyright specialist for a major academic publisher, I negotiate, draft and advise on contracts and complicated intellectual property rules. It was this exposure to legal processes and language that captivated me. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

I have a real fascination with intellectual property (IP) law. My prior academic background in literature focused on critical theory and narratology, which engages quite heavily with the abstract. As IP law aims to provide protection and rights around intangible property, much of the complex methods of its construction and application reflect these literary concepts. 

The opportunity to study this, and to explore beyond my professional familiarity with copyright into patents and trade marks, was really exciting. 

Many Birkbeck students balance study with work, family or other commitments. How have you managed your own journey? 

I decided to study the GDL full-time because I was eager to prioritise the conversion and devote most of my attention to learning the law. I was fortunate enough to receive scholarship funding and to be able to keep working throughout my course. 

By scheduling all my classes for the evening, there was minimal impact on work, though I did reduce my hours to balance my workload and extra-curricular commitments. It can be intense, but it’s very rewarding, and much easier when you can study in hours outside the ordinary 9–5 schedule. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law or pursuing a career at the Bar, especially if they are coming to it through a non-traditional route? 

Go for it! The law is incredibly interesting, engaging and widely applicable. I would definitely advise someone to take advantage of, and emphasise, any non-traditional route. The Bar responds positively to those who can demonstrate experience and a background outside a direct academic path, and some of the best skills for a barrister’s day-to-day life are developed in non-traditional areas: timekeeping, balancing multiple workloads and adaptable thinking, for example. 

Finally, especially at Birkbeck, I recommend connecting with your fellow students. Most of my peers are also coming to law from varied backgrounds, and their wisdom and support are equally encouraging and essential. Good luck! 

Daniel Cloney 

Scholarship: Cassel Scholarship (Bar Course), The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn 

How did you feel when you found out you’d been successful? 

Honestly: huge relief, for a few reasons. On the one hand, the Inn’s financial support was fundamental to my ability to take the GDL in the first place, and the Bar Course would not have been feasible without it. But beyond that, the vote of confidence from the profession makes a huge difference. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

I came to the study of law late, aged 35, when I took a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law. It was then that my academic interest in law more broadly blossomed, and I realised I wanted to make it the centre of my career. The choice to do a GDL was an easy one after that. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

Given my background, I already had a fairly good handle on aspects of public and human rights law. So, what I really enjoyed at Birkbeck was the ability to deepen my engagement with criminal law and aspects of private law, especially contract and company law. They provided refreshing new puzzles to consider, and fascinating insights into the historical development of law in England and Wales. 

Many Birkbeck students balance study with work, family or other commitments. How have you managed your own journey? 

I couldn’t give up work completely, so I switched to 0.5 FTE, which was just about feasible alongside full-time study. That allowed me time during the afternoons to study and to take my classes in the evenings. I also really enjoyed attending classes in person, which helped me to make some good friends here. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law or pursuing a career at the Bar, especially if they are coming to it through a non-traditional route? 

On the one hand, you have to put your ego to one side and be patient. It’s a very competitive profession with a tight bottleneck at the entry point. At the same time, it’s a hugely supportive community. There is a wealth of help and advice on offer, whether from Birkbeck, the Inns of Court, certain sets of chambers or individual barristers. It’s vital to take advantage of that: it will be there for you when the process gets tough. 

Alfie Hansen

Scholarship: BPP Bridge Programme Scholarship 

How did you feel when you found out you were successful? 

I was lost for words. It’s quite literally life-changing. I work and want a career in the human rights and charity sector, but due to the area’s limited training opportunities and an inability to privately fund the SQE, I’d been emotionally preparing to pivot into a corporate firm just to get qualified. Now I’ll be able to keep working in the sector I’m passionate about, helping vulnerable people, with half of my qualification funded. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

I don’t come from a privileged background and have witnessed a lot of injustice in my life. One particular example occurred during the Covid pandemic. I spearheaded a union action against a coffee chain about unsafe business practices that put workers’ and public health at risk for corporate profits. 

I wrote a petition that received 40,000 signatures, was interviewed on BBC Radio and in the Financial Times, which led to several meetings with corporate executives. Despite this, once the coverage faded, so did the executives’ sincerity and any prospect of change. This exploitation of power resonated with me for a long time and directly informed my decision to study law. For me, it was a decision to equip myself with the tools to help others in a similar position and be the difference that makes real change. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

I’ve really taken to modules with a critical approach to law, particularly State Crime, Housing Justice, and Law, History and Political Violence. What really struck me is just how much philosophical and sociological perspectives are implicitly embedded in the law. This has helped me understand the true structure of the law and how it embeds itself into every aspect of our social lives. 

How have you managed multiple commitments? 

I won’t pretend it hasn’t been difficult. I’ve been studying full-time, working part-time, volunteering to get legal experience, taking on side projects to make my CV stand out and trying to have a personal life at the same time. 

I found planning and prioritising helped the most. When studying multiple modules, I’d break down my weeks, dedicating several days at a time to solely studying one module. Mapping out assessment deadlines was also a must. Knowing when I had to begin work on essays and exams meant I never felt I handed in work I was unhappy with or felt underprepared for. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law, especially from a non-traditional route? 

The idea of “traditional” is just a ceiling put on your potential by someone who doesn’t know you. Forget what they think and give it 110 per cent! I was lucky enough to benefit from having a big support network, which was really important when things got tough. So I’d also say to leave your ego at the door if you want to succeed and don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that’s asking someone to check over your essay or simply having a shoulder to cry on. 

Chloe Hennigar

Scholarship: Helen Grindrod Social Mobility Prize from Lincoln’s Inn 

How did you feel when you found out you’d been successful? 

I was delighted. The prize gives me the opportunity to attend a summer school hosted at Lincoln’s Inn, where we’ll develop our advocacy and case analysis skills and also have the opportunity to undertake a mini-pupillage. It also provides invaluable opportunities to meet and learn from barristers, making it a really significant step towards my goal of becoming a barrister. It feels both like recognition of the work I’ve put in so far, and also opens opportunities to gain practical experience, build my network and continue developing as an aspiring advocate. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

Growing up in a relatively disadvantaged area, I saw first-hand how much difference access to knowledge, resources and representation can make. I became increasingly aware that people often struggle not because they lack ability or determination, but because they don’t know where to turn or don’t have access to the right support. That has motivated me to pursue a career where I could help people navigate those challenges. Law appealed to me because it combines intellectual challenge with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

I’m most excited to study criminal law, as I’m drawn to its complexity and the way it balances protecting individual rights with serving the public interest. I’m also really looking forward to studying banking and finance law and immigration law, as I’m interested in the wider economic and international dimensions of legal practice. 

Many Birkbeck students balance study with work, family or other commitments. How have you managed your own journey? 

I’ve found that being organised and prioritising my commitments allows me to perform well academically while also making the most of the opportunities available to me.  

Alongside my studies, I work at Birkbeck and I’m actively involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including the Birkbeck Law Review, the Birkbeck Law Forum, which I founded, BIUCAC and other initiatives. These commitments are important to me because they allow me to contribute to the student community while developing skills that will support my future career. At the same time, I make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy balance by making time for friends and family. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law or pursuing a career at the Bar, especially if they are coming from a non-traditional route? 

There isn’t one ‘right’ pathway into the profession, and the experiences you bring with you can become one of your greatest strengths. I’d also encourage people to be proactive. Attend networking events, apply for opportunities even if you don’t think you’ll get them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Every application, conversation, and experience helps you build confidence and develop your understanding of the profession. Finally, remember that it’s a marathon rather than a sprint. Progress doesn’t have to happen all at once, and consistency will take you much further than comparing yourself to other people. 

Samuel James Barley 

Scholarship: Lowry Calvert Scholarship from Middle Temple 

How did you feel when you found out you’d been successful? 

I was at work when the email came through, and I had to take a moment out to just sit in the feeling. I recall a warmth spreading through me as I thought, “You know what, I could actually do this.” Ultimately, it was the feeling of being positively viewed by practising barristers that mattered to me most. 

It’s been such a busy year that I’m not sure I’ve celebrated it properly or let it sink in just yet! There’s still a long way to go, but it really is such a confidence boost at this stage, and I’m determined to keep going. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

I’d actually fallen for law during my original undergraduate degree, albeit it’s taken me about a decade to get around to pursuing it again. I’d been put in a module on “Legal Cultures in Late Antiquity” in my third year and ended up doing a master’s degree on the same theme. I’ve worked in criminal justice since leaving my studies, so coming back to complete a GDL was always a possibility. Last summer, I took the leap and applied. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed Equity & Trusts. There can be a tendency from people outside the legal world to think of law as this rigid and soulless set of rules to be applied, which simply isn’t accurate. The Common Law is continually growing and shifting, and my class quickly identified which judges we enjoyed reading most. In Equity, that movement is even more obvious, and the near-obsession with fairness over procedure is something I hope to take with me into my career. 

Many Birkbeck students balance study with work, family or other commitments. How have you managed your own journey? 

I’ve balanced studying full-time with working full-time this year, and if I could easily explain how I’d managed that, I would. Ultimately, organisation and commitment are key. I’ve studied tired, on my commute, on holiday, in groups and on my own. There’s been impeccable support from my partner, ensuring that I look after myself and eat enough vegetables, and a fantastic group of people in classes to talk issues through with. Birkbeck’s format has been really useful for managing my time too. Knowing that my classes are in the evening, or online if need be, and that I can watch and rewatch lectures as and when allows me to be flexible. It’s been a hectic year but an enjoyable one. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law or pursuing a career at the Bar, especially if they are coming from a non-traditional route? 

Know why you want to do it. You’ll read online and in books about how competitive it is and that the odds are against you, which is all true. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, though; it means you have to really want it to try. This year has taught me just how much I want this.  

Take all the opportunities you can to get experience, whether that be mini-pupillages or marshalling, and definitely participate in mooting. I was fortunate enough to compete at the Jessup International Law Moot and the Birkbeck Law Forum Mooting Competition this year, and I’ve received some incredible feedback to bolster pupillage applications in the future. There’s plenty of challenges still ahead for me, but knowing how much I’ve enjoyed this year fuels my ambition to continue. 

Aravindi Rubasinghe

Scholarship: Dame Juliet Wheldon Scholarship 

How did you feel when you found out you’d been successful? 

Complete shock and disbelief. I wasn’t sure how my interview went. I’d spent a lot of time ruminating on what I could have done better, so I hadn’t given myself any credit for what I’d probably done well (great life lesson, I think!). I’d kept my expectations intentionally low because of this. When I got that email, I genuinely had to read it multiple times. I took a big leap of faith in choosing to pursue the Bar, and this encouragement from the Inn means a great deal. Above all, I feel incredibly grateful to the Inn and blessed to have their support. 

What first inspired you to study law? 

Before deciding to pursue law, I had another career:  studied medicine and currently work as a doctor while completing my postgraduate law conversion. Law has always been something I found myself drawn to, even during medical school. Once I began practising medicine, although I enjoyed the work, I became increasingly aware of how deeply the law shapes healthcare and provides the framework within which so many professions and systems operate. That only strengthened my interest. Over the past few years, I’ve also grown personally and gained a much clearer understanding of the kind of career I want for my life. 

What area of law have you been most interested to learn about during your studies at Birkbeck and why? 

I’m particularly interested in public law, so I was especially looking forward to studying constitutional and administrative law. I find the way public bodies make decisions that directly affect individuals compelling and deeply important. I’ve been able to witness this within medicine, where wider systemic decisions impact the care we deliver day to day. 

That said, one of the biggest surprises has been how much I’ve enjoyed modules I wasn’t initially drawn to. One of the best parts of my first year at Birkbeck has been being exposed to such a wide range of legal disciplines and discovering something interesting in all of them. It’s made me even more excited to explore new areas of law in the coming year. 

Many Birkbeck students balance study with work, family or other commitments. How have you managed your own journey? 

I currently work full-time as a doctor while undertaking my Master’s, and continuing to work has been essential as I self-funded the first year of my degree. That’s why I’m so grateful for the opportunity Birkbeck offers to fit education around the realities of everyday life. I genuinely don’t think I would have been able to pursue law at this stage in my career without that flexibility. 

I’m also continually inspired by my classmates, who come from all walks of life, bringing with them a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Balancing study alongside work, family and other commitments means that everyone has made a conscious decision to be there, and that creates a learning environment where people are genuinely engaged and motivated. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience so far. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law or pursuing a career at the Bar, especially if they are coming from a non-traditional route? 

I’m very early in my journey towards the Bar, so I tread carefully! However, I do know a thing or two about scary decisions. When I first started thinking seriously about pursuing law, it felt overwhelming knowing I had devoted many years to another profession. My advice would be to listen to your intuition (it’s telling you something for a reason!) and then really critically think to find your why.  

I would say don’t ever think it’s too late. There are so many things in this world to learn, and if something has made you stop and think, “I could do that”, and you have the opportunity to pursue it, don’t let the critical voices inside your head or the voices of what others might say stop you. 

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When a profound sense of nihilism strikes, how can we regain meaning?

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International Excellence Scholar, Guyang Lin, is studying the LLM Qualifying Law at Birkbeck. Prior to this, he studied a BSc in Philosophy and Economics and a Master’s in Philosophy and Public Policy. Here he shares a philosophical anecdote about what inspired him to study law.

A Crisis of Meaning

In my criminal law seminar this term, we discussed a real case. In 2010, a 67-year-old man smothered his terminally ill wife, unable to bear watching her suffer day after day. He was convicted, though the court accepted his mental illness as grounds for diminished responsibility.

Mental illness is more common, and more destructive, than we tend to assume. In China, the lifetime prevalence of the six major categories of mental illness is 16.6%. A growing number of young people are dropping out of school and isolating themselves at home under the weight of academic pressure and bullying.

When nihilism strikes, how do we regain meaning?

A Friend Who Vanished

I thought of a friend who spent years paralysed by nihilism and self-sabotage before he broke free of it. He had been a brilliantly talented student, but the shift began after he won a place on his dream course at a university in London. He started saying he had studied enough and needed to “enjoy life while young.” His writing from that time was polished but lacking in enthusiasm, except for one poem about a young man who goes into the mountains seeking the meaning of life, and finds he’s too afraid to stray from the path everyone expects of him. That poem moved me, I played guitar over it, and we became friends.

After graduation he faced a grim job market with disdain, insisting he could succeed easily if he tried, but that he needed to focus on “what matters” first. As rejections mounted, he retreated and locked himself away, refusing our invitations, calling his isolation a virtuous “low-desire” life. He called himself a freelance writer but produced nothing beyond a pile of unfinished drafts.

He wasn’t happy in his comfort, zone he was afraid. Each rejection had worn down the confidence he’d built as a top student, until he stopped trying altogether. He later admitted that during those stress-free days, his life felt as if it were turning pale: he had mistaken the avoidance of pain for happiness.

The Return to the World

Then his family told him they would no longer support his drifting. Frightened for his future, he went out one December afternoon and, by nightfall, had found a job starting the next day.

A few days later, we were on a train together and he suddenly got a nosebleed. His body, he said, simply hadn’t adjusted to the exertion. He stepped off at his stop and hurried away, unbothered. I knew then that he had changed. He later told me that rubbing hand cream into his cracked skin at night, he found himself wondering what kind of person he used to be.

I asked if he was still writing. He said he’d found inspiration in a piece of history, and told me a fable: pilgrims to the Potala Palace spend months prostrating themselves every three steps along mountain roads, and weep when they finally arrive. His past self, he said, had been like a tourist who simply flew in. He could see the palace and felt nothing, too exhausted by the flight to feel any awe. Without the effort of the journey, there’s no real wonder at the end of it.

Small Acts, Real Meaning

Last year, when his grandfather needed minor surgery, he sent money home without hesitation, relieved that, unlike his old self, he now had the means to actually help. That sense of being useful became the foundation of his rebuilt confidence. He told me he still wasn’t living the life he wanted, but that once his feet had touched rough reality, his anxiety had actually lessened. Comfort, he said, makes it hard to step outward; it was exhaustion and competition that brought back his drive.

He’d started reading Viktor Frankl, the psychologist who survived a Nazi concentration camp and concluded that people constantly search for meaning, and that among all values, the meaning found in how we face unavoidable suffering is the highest.

I think the meaning of life isn’t something fixed and pre-existing; it’s forged through the struggle against reality. What we think we love may fade once we actually have it, and the future may hold expectations we can’t yet see. In his recent drafts for a story about two soldiers who flee battle, then choose to return, there was a vividness I hadn’t seen in his writing before. It felt real, and I loved it.

Finding My Own Meaning

His change made me look at my own routine life. My guitar had gathered dust; my old philosophy notes and dissertation files sat untouched, along with a regret I’d written down once about not choosing jurisprudence sooner. So I stopped settling. Notebook in hand, I started heading to Birkbeck’s Law School after work, finally being honest about what I wanted. Life has felt more vivid ever since.

There’s a well-known story about Frankl treating a patient’s insomnia: his remedy was to stop trying to sleep, and instead force himself to stay awake as long as possible. When a problem is pushed to its extreme, we can’t solve it by fighting our own thoughts, we have to act, and confront the thing we fear directly. Through action, the way we face our problems changes. Believing in our own capacity to act may be a stronger antidote than a mind simply free of pressure. Perhaps that’s the truest antidote to nihilism.

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Tackling antimicrobial resistance: how collaboration, co-development, knowledge exchange and shared purpose can help

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Professor Sanjib Bhakta reflects on a recent early-career researcher-led workshop hosted by Birkbeck, University of London and UCL, exploring how collaboration, innovation and shared purpose can accelerate progress in tackling antimicrobial resistance in mycobacterial infections.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the defining global health challenges of our time that cannot be solved in isolation. In bringing together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners this week, I was struck by how much progress becomes possible when we create space not just for expertise, but for genuine exchange.

At the Mycobacteria Research Laboratory in the School of Natural Sciences of Birkbeck, University of London, in collaboration with University College London Chemistry, we hosted a dynamic, early-career researcher (ECR)-led capacity-building workshop under the umbrella of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology. Held at Birkbeck Central in Bloomsbury, the event brought together an inspiring mix of scientists, clinicians, industry partners, and international collaborators, all united by a common purpose: tackling the growing challenge of AMR in mycobacterial infections.

Workshop attendees outside Birkbeck, University of London.

From the outset, we set a tone of ambition and inclusivity, anchored in scientific excellence while remaining deeply committed to collaboration, translation, and impact. The day opened with a warm welcome from Professor Katherine Thompson, Head of the School of Natural Sciences, who offered an overview of the School and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing complex global health challenges. Her remarks framed our central mission: to integrate expertise across computational biology, chemistry, microbiology, clinical sciences, and biotechnology.

Director of UCL-TB and clinician, Professor Marc Lipman, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the fight against AMR-resistance, tackling the problem at all levels.

Session 1, co-chaired by Dr Nupur Angrish and Dr Manoj Saxena, explored how human and machine intelligence can be harnessed to accelerate drug discovery. Talks ranged from interpretable omics and antibody discovery to generative AI-driven antimicrobial development. Contributions from researchers such as Dr Joseph Ng and Dr Ziaurrehman Tanoli illustrated how cutting-edge computational tools are reshaping the drug discovery pipeline, enhancing both speed and precision.

Crucially, these discussions were not confined to theory. They highlighted real-world applications, including novel therapeutic strategies targeting essential and vulnerable endogenous metabolisms in infectious bacteria a and innovative approaches to tackling drug-resistant infections inside the host environment.

Session 2 focused on one of the most pressing challenges in AMR research: translating laboratory discoveries into clinical and societal impact. Chaired by Professor Alethea Tabor, the session showcased pioneering work spanning nanoparticle-based drug delivery, repurposing of existing drugs, and rapid protein production technologies.

Speakers emphasised the importance of understanding pathogen diversity and leveraging it to improve early-stage screening of compounds in in vivo-like in vitro environments. Industry perspectives, including contributions from Birkbeck partner Nuclera, highlighted how collaboration with biotech can accelerate protein target characterisation by reducing the time and complexity associated with difficult-to-express membrane proteins.

For me, this session reinforced a key message: overcoming AMR requires not only scientific discovery, but also strategic alignment across academia, healthcare, and industry.

In a refreshing departure from conventional academic formats, we also introduced a post-lunch walking session through Bloomsbury, an area steeped in scientific heritage. Led by Dr William Thompson, this “Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk” session transformed the campus into an open classroom. As we passed landmark institutions such as the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and UCL’s Schools of Pharmacy and Chemistry, participants engaged in informal discussions that fostered openness, reflection, and interdisciplinary exchange.

It was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful collaborations begin outside formal settings.

Attendees take a stroll around the central London campus, enjoying a walking tour then taking a break to enjoy a cake baked by Professor Sanjib Bhakta whilst sharing their research journeys and insights gained along the way

Global perspectives on tuberculosis and AMR

The workshop culminated in a keynote lecture by Professor Seyed E. Hasnain, chaired by Dr Ankita Nag, addressing a critical question: is the global elimination of tuberculosis possible?

Drawing on decades of research, he explored the remarkable adaptability of tuberculosis and its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His talk highlighted how the pathogen’s evolutionary strategies enable persistence despite genomic reduction, presenting both challenges and opportunities for therapeutic innovation.

Importantly, he emphasised the need for integrated approaches that combine computational biology, genomics, clinical research, and drug repurposing. His message resonated strongly with the workshop’s overarching theme: that only through collaboration can we outpace the evolving threat of AMR.

 Professor Seyed Hasnain, National Science Chair of the Indian Institute of Technology, smiling next to a statue of Rabindranath Tagore, the winner of the 1913 Literature Nobel Prize.

The closing reflections, led by Professor Franca Fraternali, brought the day full circle, focusing on the importance of building sustainable research capacity, fostering early-career leadership, and strengthening global partnerships.

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was a shared recognition that tackling AMR demands a truly networked approach – connecting local expertise in London with global collaborators across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The active participation of academic institutions, industry partners, and funding bodies signals a growing momentum towards translational, impact-driven science.

Matt Kimberly, impact officer at Birkbeck, discussing how to translate research into real world impact through engaging with the public.

Looking ahead, this workshop was more than a meeting, it was a catalyst. It demonstrated how ECR-led initiatives can drive meaningful change by creating platforms for innovation, mentorship, and collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we have laid a strong foundation for future partnerships across academia, healthcare, and biotechnology. These collaborations will be critical in accelerating the development of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and strategies to combat AMR.

As the global community continues to grapple with drug-resistant infections, initiatives like this serve as a powerful reminder: progress is possible when we work together across disciplines, sectors, and borders. The journey to overcome antimicrobial resistance is complex, but with shared vision, scientific rigour, and collaborative strength, it is one we are well-equipped to pursue. I would like to thank the UKRI and MOHE for their support of this international collaborative project.

Photo credits: Dr Pranab K. Paul

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Birkbeck natural sciences researchers continue to drive the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis 

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This World TB Day (24 March), Professor Sanjib Bhakta from Birkbeck’s School of Natural Sciences reflects on the ongoing global challenge of tuberculosis and how Birkbeck researchers are contributing to the fight against drug-resistant infections. 

On 24 March each year, World TB Day serves as a powerful reminder that tuberculosis (TB), a disease many consider a relic of the past, remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB continues to claim nearly 1.5 million lives annually, disproportionately affecting communities in low- and middle-income groups locally in London and globally. 

The story of TB research began in 1882, when Dr Robert Koch announced his discovery of the TB bacillus, transforming scientific understanding of the disease. More than a century later, the challenge has evolved. Today, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the burden of prolonged, complex treatment regimens demand new and innovative solutions. 

At Birkbeck, University of London, the Mycobacteria Research Laboratory is at the forefront of this global effort. Through cutting-edge research in molecular microbiology and biochemistry, the team is working to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat drug-resistant mycobacterial infections. 

A key milestone in this journey is a new collaboration with the Ineos Oxford Institute, as part of the Oxford Consortium on Drugs for Drug-resistant TB (OxCoD4TB). This partnership brings together leading researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to accelerate the discovery of next-generation TB treatments. This spirit of collaboration and innovation was on full display at the Ineos Oxford Institute’s annual Early Career Researcher Conference 2026 this month, hosted at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Bringing together more than 200 participants from across disciplines, including microbiology, drug discovery, genomics, clinical science, and social science, the conference provided a vibrant platform for sharing ideas and forging new partnerships. 

Birkbeck’s School of Natural Sciences team of early career researchers made a strong impact at the event. Among them, Dr Nupur Angrish, a postdoctoral scientist, was awarded the Best Poster Prize. Reflecting on the experience, she described the conference as “incredibly inspiring,” highlighting the breadth of approaches being taken to tackle AMR. She added: “It means a great deal to have our work recognised by such an engaged and knowledgeable audience.” 

 

Dr Ankita Nag (left) and Dr Nupur Angrish (right) presenting their research posters at the IOI Oxford Early Career Researchers Conference 2026. 

Beyond the conference, Birkbeck’s contribution to World TB Day also extends to global policy and public engagement. This week, I am co-chairing a session at the UCL–LSHTM World TB Day event at Great Ormond Street Hospital, exploring how artificial intelligence could help accelerate progress towards ending TB – an area of growing importance in infectious disease research. 

Tackling TB, particularly drug-resistant forms of the disease, requires coordinated, global action. We must use antimicrobials responsibly while strengthening effective prevention, quicker detection and shortening, and simplifying TB treatment to deliver a faster, more efficient cure. 

Echoing the World Health Organization’s World TB Day call, “Yes! We can End TB!”, progress will depend on country-led action, people-powered change, and a united One Health effort. 

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Planning, practice and storytelling: preparing for Chevening Interviews

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At a recent Q&A organised by the Birkbeck International team, Current Chevening Scholars shared their experiences of preparing for the all-important interview step in the selection process for the prestigious UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office scholarship.  

Maria Annaliza Fraser, Guyana, MSc International Relations 

When did you learn you had been selected for a Chevening interview? 

I got my notice on Valentine’s Day last year! There were several dates across March to select from. I remember selecting the 20 or the 21 of March, so I could have a month to prepare. 

How did you choose your time-slot?  

When I found out I had an interview, I called a previous Chevener who is a friend – he was more excited than I was at that point – and he advised I took a few days to decide on an interview slot that worked with my schedule.  

I took a slot at 8am, as if you know Georgetown, you know how miserable parking is! 

What tips you can share with future applicants?  

Practice with mock interviews with friends. I reached out to a previous scholar, who supported me throughout the journey. 

Go back to your essays, as the panel will refer to your answers about leadership, networking, education and career plans.  

This next tip might seem overwhelming, but I decided “I’m going to answer very confidently, very boldly, and be truthful and honest”. And I did that. It’s worth doing!  

Don’t hold back from talking about your motivation. For example, I was a bit nervous because my background is Marine Sciences and this is my second Master’s, so I explained this path isn’t about making a complete switch, it’s just about merging a gap. 

When it came to providing examples of facing resistance or difficulties, draw on both personal and professional examples. I drew on my experience working on the gas energy project in Guyana, and bringing stakeholders from opposite sides together – which also covered networking!  

I would also say, make sure you have a question you can ask at the end, when the panel invite you to. I asked about the Chevening alumni community and how I could get involved with it after the scholarship. 

Fabiola Andrea Leon, El Salvador, MSc Public Policy and Management 

When did you learn you had been selected for a Chevening interview? 

I think it was three weeks before the interview, I booked it right away and got a place on the second day of interviews. I prioritised booking at the beginning of the day, as I feared the panel can be tired after seeing many people. But I think, even if you are interviewed at the end of the day, you can also make an impact. If you come in with a good story, I think the panel is going to be captivated anyway. 

How did you prepare for the interview?   

Based on my application essays I prepared to tell my story and structured this as a pyramid. I wrote down what I have done at the bottom and what I want to achieve at the top. I was genuinely proud of different projects that I was working so I wanted to incorporate it into this story.  

I practiced a lot. I had mock interviews with people that I knew. I got feedback about things like speaking too fast,  

I joined applicant groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, watched videos on YouTube. I also connected with a previous Birkbeck scholar, Marko, and gained a lot from his experience and advice. 

I also prepared for general questions, such as challenges I have faced. My answer was divided into two; projects led at work, and my experience studying in China at 18 and how I adapted to living in a different country and learning a new language. I highly suggest for applicants to think about the challenges that they have faced in life, as well as professionally.  

Sekulu Nyekha, India, MSc Social Research 

When did you learn you had been selected for the interview? 

I got the e-mail in the night. It was on Valentine’s Day too, like Maria. I remember being really excited, but I didn’t want to rush booking the slot. However, when I went to book an interview from the selection available, the earlier dates were the only dates which were left. I picked March 4, which was one of the earliest dates of interviews! 

Was your interview online or in person?  

It was online for me. I think it’s because India is so diverse and big, so it made sense for it to be done online. 

How did you prepare?   

I’d always been confident about interviews, but right before the Chevening interview, I messed one up really badly and that taught me a lesson. I decided I was not going to be overconfident this time – I would seriously prepare. I had mock interviews with as many people were willing to help.  

I also practiced timing my responses, speaking for two, three or five minutes. This came very handy during the interview as I was told I had two minutes to answer each question. At that point I knew exactly how to structure my answers within the time allocated. 

What tips you can share with future applicants?  

Focus on what you wrote in your application essay, but don’t let that be your only focus! I saw my interview as a continuation of my essay. I referred to it, but I added more details, mentioned additional leadership positions and new projects I’d worked on since I originally applying. 

I also wanted both my essay and interview to come under one theme, seeing all my answers as part of one trajectory. Something like this can help a lot with memorability and coherency!  

For the networking question I mentioned how many people I worked directly with. I also mentioned my relation with Sishu, a previous Birkbeck Chevening scholar and friend, who I had been in touch with for insight. I think it also showed that I am excited to be part of the Chevening community. 

Tholang Mathopa, South Africa, MA AI, Ethics and Society 

How many times did you apply to Chevening before you got selected?  

I actually applied twice. In 2024, I had admission to a university I hadn’t listed on my application. This time around I made sure my listed universities matched and I gave it another shot. And it shows you shouldn’t ever give up on yourself. You must always try and try and try and try again until you get it right. 

Was your interview online or in person?  

It was online. At the beginning of the interview I was told I had about two minutes per question. The allocated interview slot was forty-five minutes, but we didn’t use it all.  

What tips you can share with future applicants?  

You should already be building on your trajectory, start working on the goals you actually want to achieve. It makes applying for the Chevening and answering interview questions so much easier.  

Make sure you document what you work on, your achievements, no matter how small you think this is. Don’t hesitate to share these on social media. It doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact the grittier it is, the better. We get to see the humanity behind what you’re doing. 

You need to be able to elaborate on your career plan after Chevening, mid and long term. This is where your real story comes to play. For example, you may have been working on a plan for some time- and Chevening is going to enable you to achieve this. You should be able to say this is what I’m going to do from year one after finishing, all the way up to year ten. The panel wants to know your vision and how the scholarship is going to help you reach your objectives. 

Finding my rhythm in London

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Guyang Lin is studying LLM Qualifying Law Degrees, and is the recipient of the International Excellence Award. In this blog, they reflect on settling in to life in London and evening classes at Birkbeck.

It was drizzling the day I decided to cycle to a seminar for the first time. The streets of London shimmered with rain, and I was being pushed – by time, by cars, by the city itself – to keep moving.

I didn’t even know which way to go. When you’re new to London, the smallest tasks can feel monumental. Figuring out which side of the road to ride on, how to use a Forest e-bike, which traffic points to use, everything felt like a test.

I got bumped once, and my anxiety peaked, but I kept pedalling. Finally, I reached my destination, a little shaken but glad to have made it. That, I suppose, was a lesson London wanted to teach me: persistence often comes before confidence. But I already knew that. After all, persistence is what pushes me out of the comfort of home and the weariness of work, towards campus.

Two days later, I tried cycling again. I waited at a traffic light near Westminster, nervous but determined. Big Ben struck quarter to five, and I started moving: hesitant at first, then faster as the e-bike’s motor kicked in. The city rushed past me, and I began to feel more at ease.

Soon, cycling became my weekly ritual: my transition between work, study, and self. Between four and six p.m., London bursts into motion as waves of people hurry towards buses and Underground stations. This is the time I ride towards Birkbeck, joining the rush of people in my own way.

Most people use this time to head home, to rest. My destination, though, is not a place of rest but of energy: the lights of Birkbeck campus, the hum of conversation during evening seminars as people gather to learn. People with grey hair in windbreakers, bright pink hair in hoodies, or short hair in business suits. Some come straight from their offices, others from homes and families. Everyone brings a story, a day already lived, and a determination to keep learning. In this environment, I find something both grounding and inspiring, a sense that education is not separate from life but a part of it.

When I cycle home later at night, the city has changed. The roads are calmer, the people less rushed. It feels as though London and I share a secret, the knowledge that between dusk and midnight, the city belongs to those still chasing their dreams.

Studying at Birkbeck has taught me that “settling in” isn’t about becoming entirely comfortable. It’s about finding your rhythm in a city that never stops moving, learning when to push forward, when to pause, and how to keep going even when the rain falls.

London doesn’t slow down for anyone, but it leaves just enough room for people to grow at their own pace. And somewhere between the crowded evenings and the quiet rides home, between the ambition and the exhaustion, I’ve realised I’m no longer just passing through. I’ve become part of the city.

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Settling at Birkbeck as a Chevening Scholar 

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In August 2025, Fabiola moved to London to start her master’s in Public Policy and Management at Birkbeck as a Chevening Scholar. Here she shares her journey of coming to London and setting in.

My name is Fabiola but my friends call me Poly. Coming to Birkbeck to study Public Policy and Management as a Chevening Scholar took months of dreaming, preparing, and hoping to get here, but stepping into London felt like finally turning a page I’d waited years to write. 

My Chevening Journey 

My Chevening journey began in June 2025, when I got an email saying I had been selected as one of four scholars from El Salvador – and the only woman that year. I read it twice, then sat in silence taking it all in. Accepting Birkbeck’s offer that same day felt like stepping into a dream.

Arriving and Settling In 

Arriving in London was exciting but overwhelming. What helped the most was the support from Birkbeck and Chevening. Each scholar gets a staff member who checks in and helps with everything from accommodation to admin. Knowing I had people guiding me from the start made the transition much easier and helped me feel grounded in a new country.  

Finding My Home in London 

House hunting was its own adventure. I had lived abroad during my bachelor’s degree in Beijing, but finding a place in London felt different but exciting, challenging, and very real. After several viewings and a lot of exploring, I found a flat in North London that instantly felt right for me. 

My daily commute through Camden, Euston, and Bloomsbury has become one of my favourite parts of the day. And on the way home, grabbing a kebab has slowly turned into a small London ritual that makes the city feel familiar. 

Chevening Orientation: Joining a Global Family 

One of the highlights of my year was the Chevening Orientation. Being in a room with around 1,500 scholars from all over the world was inspiring. I met people working in government, international organisations, and the private sector, all passionate about making a difference. 

Hearing speeches from Emma Hennessey and Hamish Falconer MP reminded us why we were selected: to grow, to lead, and to bring something valuable back home. Walking out of that event, I felt incredibly proud to represent El Salvador. 

Part- time jobs: Becoming a Student Ambassador 

I applied to be a Student Ambassador because I wanted to get involved and help other students feel welcome. It has honestly been one of my favourite parts of the experience. I’ve worked at welcome events, spoken on panels, and helped with social media. These opportunities have helped me grow, connect, and feel like I truly belong at Birkbeck. 

Challenges and Growth 

Going back to studying after working for years has been a challenge. Building a new routine, getting back into an academic mindset, and adjusting to London’s cost of living can be tough. But these challenges remind me why I came here: to grow, learn, and step outside my comfort zone. 

Looking Ahead 

Even though I’ve only been here a short time, London already feels full of possibilities. I’ve visited Cambridge, made friends from all over the world, and I’m planning a trip to Scotland soon. I also joined the new Birkbeck Political Society, and I’m excited to help create events, conversations, and new spaces for students interested in politics. 

This year already feels unforgettable. I’m proud to represent El Salvador, to study in a city as vibrant as London, and to show that dreams even the big, scary ones can become real. 

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