Helping young Australians become future leaders

Tuesday, 20 February 2018

Three University of Adelaide students have been awarded prestigious Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships to undertake post-graduate study.

The scholarships provide each individual up to $120,000 for research or coursework studies at a graduate level, including a nine-month bespoke leadership development program and international experiences.

The University of Adelaide recipients are:

Matilda Handsley-Davis, PhD, School of Biological Sciences, who is using microbiomes to unlock Indigenous Australian history and health in a multidisciplinary approach. Matilda says: “I’m interested in collaborative, interdisciplinary research that creates bridges between sciences and humanities and that has the potential to support equity and social change.”

Alexandra Hawthorn, Masters of Clinical Nursing. Alexandra says: “Every patient deserves excellent IV care, with no complications. I hope to make this a possibility through not only researching complications and best practice but through becoming a nurse and learning best practice. My hope and goal is to complete a PhD in nursing and help to make IV complications history.”

Kate Obst, PhD, School of Pyschology, for research on the psychological impact of pregnancy loss in under-researched populations in Australia. Kate says: “I am passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and families, and envisage a world where tailored and appropriate psychosocial support is available to families of all kinds in times of need. With a background in psychology and public health, I believe in multi-disciplinary and collaborative research and practice that can more holistically address health and illness concerns.”

Susan Bannigan, CEO of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, says Westpac Future Leaders come from diverse fields and backgrounds with a common goal - to shape a better future for all Australians.

“All the 2018 scholars are passionate about one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas – innovation and technology, enabling positive social change, and strengthening Australia’s ties with Asia. Westpac is proud to help realise their full leadership potential.”

The students will also gain lifelong membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network to join an incredible group of inspiring leaders.

“Scholarship funding can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship recipient will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Growing by 100 scholars a year across our five scholarship programs, this network will connect those with bold ideas and help to build a better future for all Australians,” Ms Bannigan says.

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is offered in partnership with the University of Adelaide, Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of Tasmania, University of New South Wales and University of Western Australia. It is one of five scholarships offered through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, which awards 100 scholarships every year, forever.

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