June 5, 2025, by aczht
Student reflections on the Sustainability and Societal Impact Fellows Programme.
Launched in 2024, the Sustainability and Societal Impact (SSI) Fellows Programme at Nottingham University Business School continues to shape the next generation of responsible leaders and changemakers. Designed to equip students with practical skills, cross-disciplinary insights, and a strong sense of purpose, the programme encourages collaboration and an innovative attitude to sustainability challenges.
Sustainability and Societal Impact Fellows reflections
Three students reflect on their diverse experiences and shared passion for driving sustainable impact.
Xinying Hong – BSc Management
For Xinying, the programme was an invaluable opportunity to gain essential skills – such as project management, research and marketing – while contributing to a cause that aligns with her personal values. She said:
“I was drawn to this programme as working for better environments is necessary. Besides, sustainability has been an ongoing topic for years, and many companies have pushed sustainability to the top of the agenda. As a student who wants to contribute to caring for the environment and boost working skills, I would like to embed sustainability efforts to make a positive impact. The SSI Fellows Programme fits my values very well, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.”
Working closely with a peer and mentor, Xingying benefitted from a structured programme that encouraged reflection, skills development, and collaboration. Weekly meetings helped guide progress and define priorities in alignment with the School’s Societal Impact Plan, Positive Impact Rating, and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). She reflected:
“I am glad that I made the decision to apply for this programme. I strongly recommend students who want to undertake an invaluable project and are interested in driving positive change for the planet, and this programme is advantageous.”
Advait Angawalkar – MSc Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
Advait was drawn to the programme’s focus on integrating sustainability into daily life and systems which is a natural extension of his academic interests in efficiency and value creation. He said:
“The SSI Fellows Programme gave me the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping a greener, more socially responsible university environment. I was part of the Student Events and Engagement project, focused on raising awareness and participation in sustainable living and responsible business practices. From brainstorming event ideas to collaborating with other students and university staff, it was a meaningful experience.
“What made the programme truly stand out was its ability to bring together people from different disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives all with a common goal – to make sustainability an everyday conversation, not just a distant ideal. I had the chance to contribute ideas, lead initiatives, and most importantly, learn from a passionate and driven community.
“Being an SSI Fellow wasn’t just about holding a title, it was about being part of something bigger, something that drives real, positive change within and beyond campus.”
As part of the programme, Advait represented the University of Nottingham at the 2025 PRME UK and Ireland Chapter Conference in Belfast. He engaged with student changemakers and global thought leaders, strengthening his belief in the power of collective. Reflecting on his experience, Advait said:
“The programme helped me build lasting connections with peers and mentors who are as passionate about sustainable futures as I am. These relationships continue to inspire and support me, both personally and professionally. To anyone considering getting involved, it’s a great platform for growth, leadership, and community. If you want to be part of something meaningful, where your voice matters and your actions create ripples of change, the SSI Fellows Programme is where your journey begins.”
Chinmayi Madhuraj – MBA
Before coming to the UK, Chinmayi worked for a corporate secretary firm in India, managing corporate sustainability reporting for clients. Keen to move from observation to action, she saw the programme as the perfect bridge between theory and hands-on leadership. She said:
“I chose Nottingham University Business School for my MBA specifically because of its strong emphasis on sustainability. The SSI Fellows Programme felt like the cherry on top. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the challenges of sustainability while learning the value of teamwork and mindful decision-making in driving real-world impact.”
Chinmayi joined the Edible Campus project, which aligned closely with her personal passion for plants and food sustainability. She said: “back home, I care for 52 beautiful plants that mean the world to me. The opportunity to grow edible plants on campus felt like a true blessing.”
Together with a teammate, she developed a food-sharing initiative using WhatsApp to help students exchange surplus items and reduce food waste. From stakeholder planning to promotion at the Sustainability Fair in May 2025, the initiative was both strategic and impactful.
Two standout moments from the programme for Chinmayi included lectures by Professor Mihaela Keleman who spoke passionately about the devastating effects of global warming, and Professor Steve Martin who talked about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Both deepened her understanding of global sustainability challenges and inspired her to regularly calculate her own carbon footprint, a practice she’s since adopted in daily life.
Chinmayi also took part in the Teaching and Learning Conference and volunteered at the Business School’s Sustainability Fair.
A journey of growth
Each student expressed that they experienced personal growth, practical learning, and a deepened sense of responsibility. Fellows reflected on the balance of academic study with meaningful project work, all supported by mentors and like-minded peers. They gained not only knowledge, but also confidence and a renewed belief in their ability to lead change. Their experiences highlight the importance of embedding sustainability into business education and to the value of empowering students with the tools to turn ideals into action.
Further information:
Find out more about the Sustainability and Societal Impact Fellows Programme and meet the Fellows.
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