Afro Innovation Group Projects Director Evariste Tshindio Awarded Best PGR Poster Prize at De Montfort University's SDG Celebration

Afro Innovation Group is delighted to congratulate our Projects Director, Evariste Tshindio, on being awarded the Best PGR Poster Prize at De Montfort University's SDG Poster Celebration, held as part of the University's 50th anniversary celebrations.

The event brought together postgraduate researchers whose work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing communities locally and globally.

Evariste's award-winning poster, "Building Financial Resilience in Migrant-Led Nonprofit Organisations," explored how migrant-led and community-based organisations can strengthen their long-term sustainability in the face of funding dependency, resource constraints and wider structural inequalities.

The research contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

For Afro Innovation Group, this recognition is particularly meaningful because it highlights the importance of research that is grounded in real-world experience and focused on practical solutions for communities.

Through his role as Projects Director, Evariste has spent many years working directly with refugees, migrants, community organisations and public sector partners. His doctoral research builds on this experience, examining how community-led organisations can become more resilient, sustainable and better equipped to continue serving the people who rely on them.

The award also reinforces a principle that sits at the heart of Afro Innovation Group's work: that knowledge, evidence and lived experience should work together to create social change. Research has the potential to do far more than contribute to academic debate. It can help shape policy, strengthen institutions, inform funding decisions and support organisations working on the frontline of community development.

Reflecting on the award, Evariste said:

"This recognition reinforces my belief that doctoral research should not remain confined to academia but should help shape more inclusive policies, stronger institutions and resilient communities. I am grateful to De Montfort University, my supervisors, colleagues and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey."

We are proud to see Evariste's work recognised in this way and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his research in strengthening migrant-led organisations and the communities they serve.

Congratulations, Evariste, on this well-deserved achievement.