London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

One of the School's 'Young Scientists' is celebrating after winning the 'Young Star' category of the prestigious 'Women of the Future' awards. Despite being the youngest candidate shortlisted, Tabitha Manzuangani, aged 16, was singled out by the judges as an outstanding young woman who was sure to go on to make the world a better place.

Tabitha, who attends the Norwood School in West Norwood, South London, joined LSHTM's award-winning 'Young Scientists' Programme in March 2010 for her Year 10 work experience as one of forty-six students participating in the scheme in 2009-10.

Like all work experience students, Tabitha conducted an independent research project, and then presented her findings at an open scientific seminar. This seminar was chaired by then-Director of LSHTM Sir Andy Haines, who subsequently nominated Tabitha for the award. He says: 'Tabitha made an outstanding impression. Her scientific presentation stood out amongst a number of high quality talks as a result of her assured communication skills, the clarity of her ideas and excellent responses to questions. When I discovered she was unable to speak English before coming to this country 5 years ago from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I was extraordinarily impressed with what she has achieved'.

While at LSHTM, Tabitha contributed to the ongoing 'On The Buses' study, which is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research (NIHR PHR) programme and lead by LSHTM researchers. 'On The Buses' is examining the public health impacts of introducing free bus travel for young people in London. Tabitha conducted a survey on this topic at her school, helped deliver an 'On The Buses' school workshop and has returned in her holidays to assist with study fieldwork.

Anna Goodman, 'On The Buses' researcher and organizer of the Young Scientist Programme, says: 'Tabitha is quite simply the most impressive work experience student I have yet met, and fully deserves this award. She is truly outstanding'. Tabitha will join Anna at the NIHR INVOLVE public engagement conference on 16 November 2010, where they will hold a workshop outlining the innovative ways in which On The Buses has involved young people in its research.

Pinky Lilani OBE, founder and chair of the Women of the Future awards, says: 'Young women are achieving more now than ever before. The Women of the Future Awards champion these women and give them a platform from which they can go even further'.

Tabitha was one of ten Women of the Future Award winners announced at a glittering ceremony in London on 9 November, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Tabitha's award is one example of LSHTM's commitment to supporting female researchers at all stages of their careers. A further example is the launch later in November of the 'Power Lunch Supporters' Group,' which will create a network of 'powerful women' to support female students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Tabitha says 'I'm absolutely delighted to have won - it's a great honour and thank you so much to LSHTM for everything you've done'.