Inspirational Essex graduates from Greece shortlisted for this year’s British Council Alumni Awards

Two Essex alumni from Greece have been shortlisted as national finalists for the British Council Alumni Awards.

This year, more than 1,200 university graduates from more than 100 countries across the world applied for the awards which celebrate achievements of international alumni who studied in the UK.

Alexandra Pentaraki has been shortlisted in the Professional Achievement category and Dionysios Sourelis in the Social Impact category.

Dr Alexandra Pentaraki is a clinical psychologist and founder of Brain Matters Institute; an organisation dedicated to the practice, learning and promotion of psychological science. She is a Chartered Psychologist and An Associate Fellow of The British Psychological Society. Alexandra, who completed a Masters in Psychology at Essex was honoured with a Young Scientist Award in 2008.

She said: “I gained a high quality education in psychological science both in theory, clinical practice and research developments at Essex and I had the opportunity to meet pioneers in psychological science that inspired me to continue my studies and complete a PhD in psychology. I was very lucky that I studied psychology in one of the most significant departments of psychology in the UK with excellent academics and researchers.”

Dionysios Sourelis is a licensed psychologist who founded a psychotherapy, counselling and special education centre for families and children in Greece. Dionysios studied Psychology at Essex and currently teaches psychology and counselling at three universities.

He said: “I feel very happy! It’s a recognition for my hard work as a student and professional! I also see this as a sign that I did something good for the community and motivates me for the next step in my life and career.”

The British Council Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni from UK universities and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. The winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying in the UK to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.

The winner will be announced in March. Winners will then go on to compete for the prestigious Global Alumni Award with the global winner being announced in April.