Meet your 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award winners
Five exceptional University of Southampton alumni were celebrated with Outstanding Alumni Awards during this year’s graduation ceremonies: Professor Dame Jane Francis, Ben Parker and Dom Maskell, Chris Bound, and Ben Dowling.
The Outstanding Alumni Awards recognise alumni who have made an extraordinary impact in their fields and communities. As inspiring ambassadors for Southampton, they embody the talent, ambition and global influence of our alumni, serving as role models for the next generation of graduates.
Meet the winners
Lifetime Achievement Award for an alumnus/a who has made an outstanding contribution to society over an extended period and is highly regarded in their chosen career field.
Professor Dame Jane Francis
BSc Geology, 1978
PhD Geology, 1983
Professor Dame Jane Francis is a pioneering polar scientist whose research on fossil plants and ancient climates has transformed understanding of environmental change in the polar regions. A geologist by training, she held research positions at the universities of Southampton, London, Leeds and Adelaide, using fossil evidence to trace climate change over the past 100 million years. Her work has taken her on more than 15 scientific expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica in search of fossil forests and new insights into Earth’s changing climate.
As the first female Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Jane has played a progressive role in UK and international polar science. She champions scientific excellence, environmental diplomacy and greater gender diversity across the field, while contributing to organisations including the Antarctic Treaty and European Polar Board.
Her achievements have been recognised through numerous honours, including the Polar Medal, the Royal Geographical Society’s Patron’s Medal, election as a Fellow of the Royal Society, and appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Dame Jane’s lifelong commitment to scientific discovery, leadership and global collaboration makes her an exemplary recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alumni Service Award for dedicated service – promoting the importance of the University through transformative philanthropy and/or support to our students, the wider University, or our alumni communities.
Chris Bound
LLB, 1975
Chris Bound became one of the most respected figures on the Guernsey legal scene and is a longstanding ambassador for the University of Southampton. After studying law at Southampton and practising in London, he returned to Guernsey in 1988 and built a distinguished 30-year career at Collas Crill, serving as Senior Partner and becoming widely recognised for his expertise in commercial property and offshore law. Over the course of his career, he was involved in many of Guernsey’s most significant commercial developments and played a key role in shaping innovative financial structures, including work on corporate legislation which is now used internationally.
Alongside his professional achievements, Chris demonstrates an exceptional commitment to public and community service. He served as a trustee of Les Cotils Trust, a retreat and conference centre, and is now a director of Les Bourgs Hospice. He helped establish the Guernsey Training Agency, creating new opportunities for young people across the Island.
Chris’s contribution to the University of Southampton has been transformative. He strengthened the University’s profile by raising awareness of the importance of philanthropy, alumni engagement and international advocacy in the Channel Islands. His advocacy supported the successful Centre for Cancer Immunology Campaign and global recruitment initiatives. His warmth, loyalty and tireless support exemplify the spirit of the Alumni Service Award and reflect his enduring impact on the University community.
Civic Award for an alumnus/a who has made an exceptional impact on the local economic, social or cultural success of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Ben Dowling
BA Modern History and Politics, 2016
Ben Dowling is the Deputy Chief Executive and co-founder of Unloc, the social enterprise he helped establish at the age of 19 to empower young people to become changemakers. Through innovative education programmes delivered across the UK, Unloc partners with schools, universities, businesses and public sector organisations to develop leadership, entrepreneurship, youth voice and employability skills among young people. Since 2013, Unloc has touched the lives of more than 130,000 young people and has provided over £150,000 in micro-grants to support young people in launching their own businesses and leading community projects.
He is also Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Global:Edge, which provides globally minded curricula for international schools, helping prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Alongside his work in education and social enterprise, Ben has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service. At just 20 years old, he was elected to Portsmouth City Council, serving two terms between 2014 and 2022. During this time, he held senior roles, including Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development, Deputy Lord Mayor, and Chair of the Employment Committee.
Ben continues to support communities through a range of charitable and non-executive roles. His commitment to civic leadership, youth empowerment and social impact makes him a deserving recipient of the Civic Award.
Rising Star Award for an alumnus/a who graduated no more than ten years ago who has made an outstanding contribution in their field or to society.
Ben Parker
BSc Geography, 2017
Dom Maskell
MEng Electronic Engineering, 2017
Ben Parker and Dom Maskell are the co-founders of Runna, the world’s top-rated running coaching app, used in more than 180 countries worldwide. Originally launched as The Run Buddy in 2021, Runna was created to make personalised running coaching accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or ability. The company has grown rapidly into a global fitness platform, employing more than 200 people and supporting millions of runners worldwide. In 2024, Runna was selected as one of three finalists for Apple’s App of the Year.
Ben, Runna’s Head Coach, is a certified England Athletics running and triathlon coach and Ironman Coach, with a decade of experience helping runners achieve their goals. He is driven by a belief that everyone should have access to high-quality coaching and wellbeing support and, despite a demanding schedule, continues to compete in marathons, ultramarathons and Ironman events.
Dom, Runna’s former CEO, graduated at the top of his engineering class. Following a successful early career at McKinsey & Company, he combined his entrepreneurial ambition with Ben’s coaching expertise to help build one of the UK’s fastest-growing fitness technology companies.
In recognition of their entrepreneurial success and global impact, both Ben and Dom were named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024. Together, they exemplify innovation, ambition and leadership, making them outstanding recipients of the Rising Star Award.
As we celebrate this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award winners, we also celebrate the countless people they have inspired along the way. Their achievements remind us of the difference Southampton graduates make across the world, and we can’t wait to see what they do next – and how the next generation of alumni will follow in their footsteps.
Ben Parker’s Outstanding Alumni Award 5K fun run
To celebrate Ben Parker’s Rising Star Outstanding Alumni Award – presented jointly to Ben and his fellow Runna co-founder, Dom Maskell – staff, students and members of our local community laced up their trainers for a special 5K fun run on and around campus. We welcomed runners of all abilities, with Ben leading the way and sharing plenty of encouragement and running tips along the route. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Ben’s success while bringing people together through a shared love of running.
