Thursday 5 February 2015

Southampton EngD researcher wins sustainability award

Southampton University EngD researcher Oliver Robinson has won the university's 2014 Sustainability Action Award. According to the scheme's blog, Oliver says:

“Being recognised in this way shows how the university appreciates the work done by its students to improve the local community and beyond and that it takes its responsibility as a champion of sustainability seriously. I am proud to have been a part of the expedition and thankful for the acknowledgement given to me by the University.”



Oliver volunteered with the Hampshire Scouts Expeditions (HSX), a local county Scout Group dedicated to the training and development of young scouts.

Having benefited from being a scout himself, Oliver was a leader of a six-week expedition to Nepal, leading 11 scouts to the Everest Region of the Himalayas. This was a unique opportunity for 14-18 year olds to develop as future leaders, honing their navigation, planning and teamwork skills through physical activities such as rock-climbing, mountaineering and abseiling. An integral part of the exhibition was a two-week community project, painting and maintaining the school buildings and classrooms at Khumjung Secondary School (for Sherpa children) with the Himalayan Trust, a charity founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. The scouts also engaging with environmental issues, such as the fading Khumbu glacier and expanding Himalayan glacial lakes, and social matters first hand.

Oliver continues to be part of HSX to develop and inspire future Hampshire Scouts.