On the 4th of December it was time for the annual Welcome Reception for International Scholars at the Stockholm City Hall. The reception is organized by Stockholms Akademiska Forum, in collaboration with the City of Stockholm. Since 2018, this is also the occasion where the SDCN International Talent of the Year Award is handed out. For the very first time, the award was shared between two members.

The reception was opened by Olle Burell, President of the Stockholm City Council, who was followed by Paula Crabtree, Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University of the Arts. At the award ceremony, Maria Fogelström Kylberg, CEO, Stockholms Akademiska Forum read out the names of the nominees and announced the winners.

The SDCN International Talent of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional member of SDCN and honors them for their professional achievements in Stockholm, their active participation in the network, their drive and determination in pursuing opportunities, and for integrating into the social and professional milieu of Sweden.

The SDCN International Talent of the Year Award 2023 was given out to… Bhanupriya Chouhan and Laureline Vallée! This is the first time the award has been shared between two deserving members.

The other nominees were Marko Barisic, Meytar Bialogorsky and Neela Latifian.

In addition to the main awards, Stockholms Akademiska Forum presented Honorary SDCN Memberships to Lotta Rosenfeldt (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) and Alicia Parvin (Invest Stockholm). The Honorary SDCN Membership recognizes individuals who have inspired SDCN along the way, for their salient and sustained contributions to the network, and for being commendable ambassadors to SDCN.

SDCN International Talent of the Year Award 2023

Laureline Vallée (shared winner), from France, has seized every opportunity to engage with the community since the moment she joined SDCN. Displaying remarkable ambition and dedication, she swiftly became an integral part of the network. Actively engaging in events and taking the initiative to learn Swedish, Laureline not only demonstrates her commitment to cultural immersion but also cultivates a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Her proactive and energetic approach serves as a shining example of the values we hold dear within the SDCN community.

Bhanupriya Chouhan (shared winner), from India, stands as a shining example of perseverance and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to a defined goal, coupled with relentless hard work, has culminated in the realization of her dream job. Bhanupriya’s resilience, refusal to settle for less, and positive impact on her work environment make her a standout individual, inspiring both peers and members of the SDCN community with her exceptional work ethic and determination.

Neela Latifian (nominee), from Iran, uniquely merges technical expertise with artistic creativity, embodying a rare fusion of innovation and originality. Her journey is a testament to her ability to navigate the dynamic intersection of technology and creativity, marked by a can-do attitude that distinguishes her in every endeavor. As an active member of SDCN, Neela not only organizes events for fellow members but also readily provides assistance, showcasing her commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community support within the group.

Marko Barisic (nominee), from Croatia, impresses with his strategic and goal-oriented mindset and stands out for his curiosity and engagement. His proactive commitment to understanding Swedish culture and dedication to learning the language showcases his adaptability and ambition. Marko’s attentive and supportive nature further sets him apart, actively contributing to a collaborative atmosphere within the SDCN community.

Meytar Bialogorsky (nominee), from Israel, is a truly inspiring individual. Despite facing a prolonged absence from the job market, his determined spirit and creative approach have fuelled a remarkable transformation during his time at SDCN Academy. Meytar’s resilience, courage, honesty, and empathy not only facilitated his personal growth but also served as a beacon of encouragement for those in his community, showcasing the profound impact of unwavering determination and innovative thinking.

Honorary members

Lotta Rosenfeldt is appointed Honorary SDCN Member in recognition of her unwavering commitment and active role as an SDCN ambassador since the network’s inception in 2015. Lotta’s exemplary implementation of SDCN at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has not only showcased her dedication but has also significantly contributed to the network’s growth and to making Stockholm a better place. Her sustained support exemplifies the core values of SDCN, inspiring others and leaving an unforgettable mark on our network and the international community at large.

Alicia Parvin is appointed Honorary SDCN Member for her exceptional contributions in spreading awareness about SDCN, emphasizing the importance of its mission. Recognized for her generosity in sharing her network and always being ready to help, Alicia has played a pivotal role in enhancing the knowledge of dual career support in the Stockholm ecosystem. Her positive energy and unwavering dedication further distinguish her as an invaluable asset to the SDCN community.