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SSEES Student Freya wins National Student Pride Award
27 February 2024
Freya Proudman received the National Student Pride’s Academic Contribution of the Year Award for her MA dissertation exploring the engagements between LGBTQ+ Ukrainian migrants and the Ukrainian diaspora during wartime.
On February 23rd SSEES PhD candidate Freya Proudman received the National Student Pride’s Academic Contribution of the Year Award for her MA dissertation exploring the engagements between LGBTQ+ Ukrainian migrants and the Ukrainian diaspora during wartime. Freya completed her MA Russian and Post-Soviet Politics in 2023 and previously a BA in History, Politics and Economics at SSEES in 2021.
This award is presented to a student, from any UK university, who demonstrates a unique, authoritative, and exemplary academic contribution to LGBTQ+ related topics within their chosen discipline.
The Awards Comittee noted: “Freya’s thesis was truly phenomenal and received so many plaudits throughout the judging process, she should be incredibly proud of what she has achieved.”
"Freya's research focuses on such a topical and important issue, telling the often unheard stories of the Ukrainian Queer communities in the diaspora. The fact that her work has extended beyond her research is a testament to her efforts, and her perseverance to make change beyond her studies is truly inspirational."
"During my acceptance, I thanked UCL SSEES and my supervisor Professor Richard Mole for always supporting me and my research. While I am grateful for this award, those who truly deserve the recognition are the LGBTQ+ Ukrainians who shared their stories with me and all those who continue to fight for freedom. It was my honor to amplify your voices. This award also involved a cash prize, of which, I have donated the entirety to the Ukrainian charity Come Back Alive. This week grimly marked 10 years since Russia began the war and 2 years since the start of the full-scale invasion. It is a reminder that we must continue doing everything we can to bring about Ukrainian victory as quickly as possible."
Congratulations, Freya!