Growing up in Myanmar, Win Nandar Thet was always curious about how science could be used to solve real problems. She noticed a painful contradiction: food was being wasted while many families struggled to eat well. At the same time, climate change, conflict, and poverty were placing increasing pressure on communities, particularly women and young people. From an early age, Win believed that science should not stay in laboratories but should be used to serve people and protect the planet.
Win’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Pharmacy (Yangon), followed by a master’s degree in food technology at Yangon Technological University. During her studies, she explored ways to reduce food waste and developed an innovative project using surplus mangoes to produce wine—creating value for farmers, consumers, and the environment. This work gained international recognition when she was selected to present at Falling Walls Lab Berlin 2019, where she shared her project, Breaking the Wall of Fruit Wastage: Yin Kwe Mango. The experience showed her that local challenges could inspire global solutions and strengthened her commitment to food security.
In 2024, Win was awarded the UK-ASEAN SAGE Women in STEM Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered by the British Council. Through this opportunity, she completed an MSc in Humanitarian Engineering (with Sustainability) at the University of Warwick. Moving to the UK was exciting, but it also came with unexpected challenges. Adjusting to a very different climate was one of them. While local residents complained about summer heatwaves, Win found herself smiling, reminded of sunny winter days back home in Myanmar. The cold British winter, however, was a different experience altogether, pushing her far beyond her comfort zone.
Academically, the transition was just as demanding. ‘I had to think more critically and connect ideas across disciplines,’ Win explains. Engineering at Warwick went beyond technical solutions, encouraging students to consider ethics, social impact, and long-term sustainability. This approach resonated strongly with her values.
For her dissertation, Win developed A Draft Biodiversity Action Plan for Stratford District. A key recommendation from her research was to update the existing environmental monitoring system, which relied on an outdated database making it difficult to identify emerging risks. This recommendation is now being implemented in Stratford, demonstrating how her academic work has already contributed to real-world change. For Win, this was a powerful example of how STEM knowledge can influence policy and strengthen both ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Win is determined to give back to her home country. Her long-term goal is to help develop a sustainable city in Myanmar with food security at its core. She is already taking steps towards this vision by hosting a weekly podcast with a group of like-minded peers, aimed at engaging young people in Myanmar on topics such as food security, climate change, and sustainable living. Through training, dialogue, and knowledge-sharing, she hopes to inspire the next generation to take action.
Win Nandar Thet’s journey reflects a genuine passion for food security, climate action, and sustainable development. Supported by the UK-ASEAN SAGE Women in STEM Scholarship, her story shows how education can open doors, empower women in STEM, and create meaningful change—linking local communities to global solutions.