We’re proud to announce our former EDI assistant, Valeria Berkovskaya, has been awarded Best Micro-Placement Student of the Year in recognition of her 4-week placement at the Biochemical Society.

During her time with us, she worked on a number of key and important projects, including analysing our EDI Data Survey and supporting the creation of our Leading Women in Science campaign which was launched in 2025.

This award celebrates students who have demonstrated outstanding impact over a short-term placement. Valeria stood out for her dedication, initiative and contributions to strengthening EDI initiatives.

We were thrilled to celebrate Valeria’s achievements and asked her some questions about her experience as a placement student at the Society.

What did winning this award mean to you?

"Winning this award genuinely made me feel proud. I often struggle with imposter syndrome and tend to undervalue my own work, so receiving this recognition was both unexpected and incredibly affirming. It reminded me that sometimes we are far more capable than we allow ourselves to believe. The award gave me confidence in my abilities and validated the effort I put into my placement."

Which part of your placement did you enjoy? What skills did you develop?

"I truly enjoyed being part of such a supportive and encouraging team. The environment made a huge difference, I felt trusted, valued, and motivated to contribute meaningfully.

During the placement, I developed stronger communication skills, especially in a professional setting. I also gained valuable real-world work experience, learning how to collaborate effectively, manage responsibilities, and adapt to workplace expectations. It helped me grow both professionally and personally."

What advice would you give to students taking on placements?

"My biggest advice would be to genuinely try to enjoy the experience. When you approach it with curiosity and openness rather than pressure, you get so much more out of it. Nothing meaningful comes from forcing yourself, but when you allow yourself to engage fully and enjoy the process, growth happens naturally."

Welcoming students to the Society is a privilege and we look forward to hosting future placements, providing real-life exposure to a working environment and supporting career development.

Discover more about our EDI work and complete our Shaping a more equitable Society: Survey 2026.