School of Geography alumnus selected as finalist for the 2024 Alumni Awards

An alumnus from the School of Geography has been selected as a 2024 national finalist in the British Council Alumni Awards in the category of Social Action.

We are delighted to announce that alumnus Dr Eric Palacpac, Geography PhD 2010, has been selected as a finalist in the British Council Alumni Awards 2024 in the category of Social Action for the impact of his pioneering agricultural work in the Philippines.  

British Council Alumni Awards 

The British Council Alumni Awards is an annual event that acknowledges and celebrates the exceptional achievements of UK alumni globally and recognises leaders in their respective fields who have utilised their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive impact on their communities, industries and countries.  

The awards are presented in various categories, including Social Action. This category recognises alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

Now in its tenth year, the award received more than 1,450 applications from alumni across over 90 countries, which represents more than 140 UK higher education institutions throughout the UK. It is a fantastic achievement for Dr Palacpac to be selected to stand amongst the global finalists for this award. 

Dr Palacpac’s work

After earning his PhD in 2010 at the University of Leeds, which focused on ‘Science-Society Interface in the Philippines’, Dr Palacpac returned to the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) where he has now worked for over 14 years.

My journey, inspired by my UK studies, is defined by dedication and an unyielding commitment to advancing social change, equity, and development in the Philippines, working towards a better world for all.

In addition, Dr Palacpac has played a key role in shaping the Philippines’ agricultural landscape. Not only did he serve as the former President of the Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) and the Philippine Extension and Advisory Services Network, Inc (PhilEASNet), but he was also appointed as the chairperson of the Science City of Muñoz Credit Surety Fund Cooperative in 2014. More recently, he was appointed by the Philippine President to the Professional Regulatory Board of Agriculture in 2021, making substantial contributions to address issues in the animal industry and the circulation of agricultural technologies. 

My academic journey in the UK, especially at the University of Leeds, was a pivotal moment in my personal and professional development, catapulting me towards subsequent accomplishments.

Speaking about the British Council Alumni Awards, Dr Palacpac said: “being shortlisted and selected as a finalist in the Study UK Awards by the British Council Philippines feels like the sweetest melody. It’s not just about the academic notes I’ve played but the genuine passion and hard work of my incredible team at the Philippine Carabao Center. It’s a symphony of success we’ve crafted together. And in this beautiful composition, the University of Leeds is like the nostalgic refrain, a soulful reminder of where it all began, adding depth and meaning to our collective achievement.”

An inspiring environment

Speaking about the inspiration behind his work, Dr Palacpac explained: “my journey, inspired by my UK studies, is defined by dedication and an unyielding commitment to advancing social change, equity and development in the Philippines, working towards a better world for all.”

Dr Eric Palacpac started his journey at Leeds in 2005, completing his PhD in Social Geography in 2010. He was supported by the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program which works to give people from marginalised groups the chance to earn a graduate degree by removing traditional barriers to advanced education. Looking back at his experience, Dr Palacpac said: “my transformative path was set in motion with a life-changing Ford-IFP scholarship that granted me admission to the University of Leeds in 2005 to pursue a PhD in Social Geography. This marked the beginning of my academic journey in the UK, enriching my analytical thinking and sense of social responsibility.”

“My research during my PhD studies at the University of Leeds laid the groundwork for my career in agricultural extension and communication. I developed two conceptual models using a science communication framework to understand the adoption of innovation in the dairy buffalo sector in the Philippines. These models continue to guide my work, impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers and shaping the future of the country's water buffalo industry.”

Dr Palacpac’s work has been celebrated by the School of Geography colleagues at the University of Leeds who were very pleased to hear that he had been selected as a finalist.

Dr Alan Grainger said: “Eric's nomination for a British Council Alumni Award is richly deserved, given his passion for providing technical support to farmers who raise dairy buffalo in the Philippines. This led to his PhD project in the School of Geography at the University of Leeds in which a major innovation in science-policy communication theory gave fresh insights into how to improve the effectiveness of technology adoption promoted by the Philippine Carabao Center for which he continues to work, 14 years after graduation.”

Offering some words of encouragement to others, Dr Palacpac said: “drawing from my own journey, I’d say that persistence and genuine passion have been my driving forces. To those finding inspiration in my story, I encourage you to wholeheartedly pursue what truly lights a fire in you. Embrace challenges not as setbacks but as stepping stones to your growth. Stay dedicated to your goals, no matter how big or small, and remember that even the smallest efforts can create significant impacts. Trust in the value of your work, and don’t hesitate to share your knowledge and insights – it can truly make a difference. Your journey is unique, so navigate it with your own resilience and unwavering enthusiasm.”

Eric's nomination for a British Council Alumni Award is richly deserved, given his passion for providing technical support to farmers who raise dairy buffalo in the Philippines.

Are you interested in studying for a research degree in geography? Visit the School of Geography to learn more about the research degrees we offer at Leeds.