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Melvin Mezue, 25, Oxford University DPhil student
Melvin Mezue, 25, Oxford University DPhil student

Melvin Mezue, an Oxford University DPhil student has been named the UK’s top black student.

He had ranked top of a list of the 10 highest-achieving students from the UK’s African and African Caribbean community at the latest Rare Rising Stars 2013 awards, held at the Houses of Parliament, on Thursday 18th July.

Melvin works with Prof Irene Tracey, investigating the way the brain processes pain, with the aim of developing new treatments for chronic pain syndromes. Some of his research has been exhibited at the Science Museum and featured on BBC's The One Show. 

Showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit, he is the co-founder of Streamline Empire, a firm which promotes creative and cultural events, from modelling to variety shows, and has raised more than £2,000 for charity and he was President of the Oxford University Africa Society.

Raphael Mokades, Managing Director of Rare Recruitment, said: 'Melvin and the other stars have shown that there are brilliant, inspirational black young people out there who are making an enormous difference to society. Whether they’re found on stage, in a South African township or in the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, our Stars have continued to defy stereotypes, push boundaries and shine brightly as high achievers and outstanding role models.'