Graeme Hugo scholarship to Uni of Adelaide demography student

Monday, 21 March 2016

An Honours student at the University of Adelaide has been awarded the inaugural Graeme Hugo Memorial Scholarship, which includes a State Government internship that will complement her studies.

Higher Education and Skills Minister the Hon. Dr Susan Close today awarded the scholarship to student Meggan Boag.

"I'm delighted that International Development Honours student Meggan Boag has been awarded the first scholarship and will undertake a placement with the Department of State Development," Dr Close said.

"Meggan's studies into South Australia's demographics will complement the work our Government is also doing in looking at our ageing population.

"The scholarship forms part of the Government's Knowledge Exchange program, designed to facilitate and encourage a greater level of exchange between the public sector, universities, industry and the not-for-profit sector."

Graeme John Hugo was a Professor of Geography at the University of Adelaide, and was considered one of Australia's leading demographers. The Graeme Hugo Memorial Scholarship was established by the Premier, the Hon. Jay Weatherill, in honour of the late professor.

Meggan Boag said she was honoured to receive the scholarship. "Through my undergraduate studies I have read and cited a large array of Graeme Hugo's work, and to receive this scholarship in memory of him is a privilege," Ms Boag said.

"I'm interested in a broad field and would preferably like to work on migration and demographic policy, whether for a government department or a non-governmental organisation, in Australia or overseas.

"Hugo's work in migration and demographic analysis has been highly insightful and valuable to the field of geography and for policy makers within Australia and overseas.

"Through the scholarship, I will endeavour to actively contribute to the discipline and help provide critical feedback and recommendations to assist in managing Australia's transition to an ageing academic population," Ms Boag said.

During her internship within the Department of State Development, Ms Boag will review Professor Hugo's research, which identified the challenges of an ageing profile in the academic profession. Ms Boag will compile and update a South Australian profile and identify which academic disciplines are at risk in the short, medium and long term, and provide recommendations.

The scholarship, valued at $5000, will be awarded annually to a full-time University of Adelaide Honours degree student in geography, population policy or a similar discipline that aligns with Professor Hugo's research interests.

The scholarship includes an internship with a government agency that contributes to the coursework requirements of their Honours degree.

Selection of the successful candidate is made according to academic merit and thesis proposal.

Contact Details