CAMJeff the Peff
Alumni Awards 2026
Alumni Awards 2026
It’s time to celebrate the amazing alumni who are making a real difference in their worlds, says Clare Monaghan, Director of Alumni Engagement.
Words:
Illustrations:
Published on:
25 November 2025
You’re innovators and leaders; teachers and mentors; changemakers and community-builders.
That’s why we are so delighted to launch the University of Cambridge Alumni Awards, a way to recognise your exceptional talents, share your stories and celebrate your achievements.
Excellence takes many forms. Yes, we want to celebrate the next David Attenborough, Emma Thompson or Demis Hassabis.
But these awards are designed to recognise incredible contributions from alumni across all walks and stages of life – in your professional sphere, through voluntary work or as part of a recognised alumni group.
Award categories
- The Global Achievement Award celebrates alumni who have made a significant contribution in their chosen field.
- The Better World Service Award honours those enriching communities locally or internationally.
- The Emerging Alumni Award highlights outstanding early-career achievements.
- The Alumni Group and Volunteer categories celebrate collective and individual dedication specifically to the University community.
Nominations will open in February 2026, and you can nominate yourself or someone else.
These are your awards: your stories and your choices.
We can’t wait to hear about the people making a difference, from global leaders to those improving lives one person at a time.
Global Achievment Award
This award recognises alumni who have made significant contributions to their chosen field or profession and should be an inspiration to and serve as a role model for future generations. They should have evidence of recognition and influence, such as awards, honours, media coverage or leadership roles, and of global influence or contribution.
Better World Service Award
To celebrate the influence of alumni to enrich local or international communities through activities such as volunteering and service to the community. The winner will demonstrate the positive effect of their contribution and deep engagement and commitment to social impact. They will show creativity and leadership in initiating or improving community projects, and their efforts will be acknowledged by peers, community or the media.
Jeff the Peff
Emerging Alumni Award
We want to shine a light on recent alumni who demonstrate excellence and accomplishments in their professional field with the possibility of even greater things in the future. Having finished their course within the past 10 years, they will serve as a role model for current and prospective students, and provide evidence of innovative thinking, leadership roles or entrepreneurial success.
Alumni Group of the Year
This award celebrates officially recognised alumni groups that have made an exceptional contribution to their Cambridge alumni community. Groups will demonstrate high levels of engagement, diversity of activities and a focus on serving their whole group community. They will have innovative approaches to connect the alumni community and show commitment to the long-term sustainability of the group.
Jeff the Peff
Alumni Volunteer of the Year
Celebrating individual alumni who have generously supported the University and alumni community and created significant impact by giving their time and expertise. They will demonstrate long-term commitment, and will show evidence of tangible positive outcomes from their volunteer activities, either as an individual volunteer, or through leading, inspiring, and initiating meaningful volunteer projects or activities.
Nominations for the awards will open in February with the winners announced in July. So if you, or someone you know deserves to be recognised, visit the website at alumni.cam.ac.uk/alumni-awards-and-honours
Share this page
