Sydney, Wednesday 30 July 2025: The Centre is proud to announce our 2025 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars – 28 of Australia’s brightest minds committed to advancing a richer, deeper understanding of our civilisation.
The scholars, seven of whom are University Medallists, are all emerging leaders in their fields. Forming a truly multi-disciplinary cohort, they seek to make a difference in areas as diverse as future pandemic medications and vaccines, international economics, representation of women in history, urban policymaking, sustainable construction, Alzheimer’s disease, Australian diplomacy in the Pacific, data privacy and AI, and intergenerational fairness.
With the support of their Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, they will attend premium global tertiary institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Johns Hopkins, Sciences Po Paris, Harvard, Columbia, Royal College of Art London, Edinburgh University and University College London.
Now in its fifth year, the Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship offers an exceptional multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional pathway for future leaders, innovators and change makers to reach their potential and create a lasting impact in Australia and beyond. Scholars are empowered to undertake postgraduate study at the world’s best overseas universities, supported by funding of up to AUD$90,000 p.a. for one, two, and in select cases three years of coursework and/or research.
Applicants are judged by a panel of eminent Australians on character, leadership, service; academic achievement; future goals; and commitment to advancing a deeper understanding of our civilisation. This year’s selection panel was chaired by distinguished businessman and Ramsay Centre Board member Dr Michael Easson AM.
In just five years, thanks to our benefactor the late Paul Ramsay AO, the Centre has offered this transformative educational experience to 141 young Australians; now a community of motivated leaders committed to driving meaningful change and shaping a stronger future for Australia and the world.
Joining that community this year is a scientist determined to help develop novel antiviral drugs and next generation vaccines for future pandemic influenza strains. Other STEM scholars are exploring subjects ranging from the use of AI and machine learning to develop novel detection methods for cardiomyopathies on cardiac CT, to AI driven approaches to antimicrobial resistance, to development of novel engineered living materials for sustainable construction.
Other scholars include a public servant focused on the Australia / Papua New Guinea relationship, an English literature scholar undertaking a doctorate on James Joyce’s Ulysses, and an economic historian investigating the development of central banking in Australia and central bank independence. A Sydney contemporary visual artist will study at the Royal College of Art in London with the future ambition of creating public-facing international exhibitions, and leading cross-cultural dialogues on historical injustices within global institutional contexts.
Two scholars will explore how we can improve our democracies. The first, one of Australia’s youngest ever elected councillors, now a deputy mayor in WA, will research how civic innovation and inclusive design can help create more responsive institutions. The other will research democratic models that support intergenerational fairness.
Ramsay Centre CEO Dr Martin Fahy praised the calibre of the 2025 scholarship recipients and acknowledged the extraordinary generosity of the Centre’s founder and benefactor, the late Paul Ramsay AO – founder of Ramsay Health Care, regional television pioneer, and philanthropist.
“Known as a ‘man for others’, Paul Ramsay always wanted to give back to his country and his fellow Australians. He had a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities Australia had afforded him, as one of many countries that have benefited from being part of the long continuum of Western civilisation,” Dr Fahy said.
“I congratulate our exceptional 2025 scholars and look forward to seeing their contributions to critical issues affecting Australia and the world.”
A full list of names of the 28 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars and their bios can be found on the following pages of this release.
For more information on our Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships and how to apply visit: https://ramsaypostgradscholarship.com/
Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098/ sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org
For more information on the centre please visit our website: www.ramsaycentre.org
2025 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars
DANIEL ARNOLD
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry – University of Oxford
Daniel Arnold is an early-career molecular virologist and biophysical chemist from Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology) from Charles Sturt University, graduating with First Class Honours and six Executive Dean’s Awards. He has conducted virological research at world-leading institutions including Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, and the University of Tokyo, Japan. With the support of his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Daniel will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at Oxford. His doctoral research will utilise techniques from physics and chemistry to elucidate influenza virus–host interactions at the atomic level, advancing the development of novel antiviral drugs and next-generation vaccines to combat emerging pandemic influenza strains, including avian influenza H5N1. Post-study, Daniel aims to return to Australia and lead a research group focused on viruses with pandemic potential. Outside the lab, Daniel is an Australian champion ballroom dancer with more than15 years of experience.
HENRY BARLOW
Doctor of Philosophy in English – University of Oxford
Henry Barlow is an English literature scholar from Sydney. He holds two degrees from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours with University Medal) in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He now tries to answer the questions that interested him in philosophy through the more concrete form of literature and is completing his third degree at the University of Sydney, a Master of Philosophy. For his Master’s thesis he is examining temporality in the landmark work of modernist literature, James Joyce’s Ulysses. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, he will undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in English at the University of Oxford and continue his study of Ulysses, focusing on the conflict between different economic forms and its production history. In the future, Henry hopes to teach and research literature at Australian universities demonstrating the complex ways in which literature engages with the sociopolitical world.
TOM BARRETT
Master of Public Administration – London School of Economics and Political Science and Columbia University
Tom Barrett, an Australian-German from Sydney, is a Senior Research Associate in emerging technology and economic security at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney, majoring in Political Economy and Government and International Relations. His research areas include AI, international standards, economic and fiscal policy, international organisations and foreign affairs. He is committed to examining how the institutions and instruments of international economics best navigate the current period of geopolitical and economic upheaval to deliver on their mandated ambitions. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Tom will undertake a two-year Double Master of Public Administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Columbia University in New York. Post study, Tom hopes to pursue a career spanning international organisations and public policy, analysing dynamics between institutions, economic trends and national security.
IMOGEN BIGGINS
Master of Philosophy in World History – University of Cambridge
Imogen Biggins is a researcher and educator from Sydney. She graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies in International and Global Studies, for which she was awarded First Class Honours and the University Medal. Her Honours thesis analysed shifting memories of transatlantic slavery in European port cities. Passionate about history and social justice, she works at the Australian Human Rights Commission and was previously Senior History Content Creator and Review Lead at EdTech company Atomi. She also serves as councillor with The Australian Institute of International Affairs NSW and speaks fluent French. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Imogen will pursue a Master of Philosophy in World History at Cambridge, exploring the transoceanic histories of British and French missionary women in the Pacific. Post study, Imogen hopes to carve a career where she can promote public engagement with history, particularly research on the politics of memory and representations of women in history.
DR MARTIN BLACK
Master of Arts in Liberal Arts – St John’s College, Annapolis
Dr Martin Black is a teacher of Philosophy and the Classics and the founder of a philosophy school in Melbourne. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy and Classics and Master of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Melbourne prior to studying with the philosopher Stanley Rosen, at Boston University, receiving his PhD in 2009. After lecturing at Boston College and Suffolk University in the US, he returned to Australia and established the Independent School of Philosophy in Melbourne. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Martin will study the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts degree at St John’s College, Annapolis, a college renowned for its communal study of the greatest works of our civilisation. He hopes that this study will broaden and deepen his ability to contribute to the revival of the study of texts that shed the most light on the meaning of our times because they are most illuminating about our permanent human nature.
ANGUS BYLSMA
Master of Science in Economic History – London School of Economics and Political Science
Angus Bylsma is an economic historian from Hobart, Tasmania. He holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Arts, majoring in History, from the Australian National University. Angus’ research interests include economic and financial history, historical political economy, and the history of the international monetary system. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Angus will study a Master of Science in Economic History (Research) at the London School of Economics. His research will focus on the development of central banking in Australia and central bank independence during the interwar period, taking account of national and imperial politics. He hopes to continue this research with a PhD. When he is not reading about all things economic history, Angus is writing about them for his bi-weekly newsletter. In the future, Angus hopes to either pursue an academic career or apply insights from economic history in the context of economic and monetary policy making.
GEORGIE CAREY
Master in Public Policy – Harvard University
Georgie Carey is a local government leader from Perth. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Western Australia, where she was a Fogarty Scholar. Georgie currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of Mosman Park in Perth and was one of Australia’s youngest-ever elected Councillors. Now in her eighth year on Council, she was first elected at 21. On the global stage, Georgie has been selected to represent Australia at the 2019 G(irls)20 Global Summit and the US Department of State’s 2024 International Visitor Leadership Program. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Georgie will study a Master in Public Policy at Harvard. She aims to focus on urban policymaking, exploring how cities can harness civic innovation and inclusive design to create more responsive and representative public institutions. Georgie plans to bring her experience back to Western Australia, to help shape policy and leadership that reflects and responds to the communities it serves.
DR NICHOLAS CLARKE
Doctor of Medicine – University of Oxford
Dr Nicholas Clarke is an early-career cardiologist from Adelaide. He was awarded the University of Adelaide Undergraduate Scholarship and completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He achieved First Class Honours for his research project on atrial fibrillation in Indigenous Australians, which was also awarded a national research prize by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Whilst studying, he was a member of the South Australian high performance swimming team. Nicholas has completed his cardiology specialist training and plans to subspecialise as a structural cardiologist with expertise in advanced cardiac imaging. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, he will undertake a Doctor of Medicine at Oxford. His research project will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop novel methods to detect cardiomyopathies on cardiac CT. He is passionate about improving cardiovascular health in the Australian population and hopes his work will lead to earlier detection and treatment of common cardiac diseases.
JEMMA CUSUMANO
Master of Philosophy – University of Edinburgh
Jemma Cusumano is a philosophy scholar originally from regional North Queensland. She now works in policy at the Queensland Family and Child Commission, promoting the safety and rights of children and young people. She holds a Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) in Philosophy from the University of Queensland, where she received First Class Honours, the University Medal, and the Don Mansion Prize for best results in the postgraduate program. Since finishing her studies, Jemma has been published in the Undergraduate Philosophy Journal of Australasia and continues to review submissions for future volumes. During her Honours year, Jemma explored Hannah Arendt’s notion of the banality of evil and its implications for moral responsibility, and Simone de Beauvoir’s existential ethics. With the support of the Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Jemma will pursue a Master of Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and hopes to contribute to more reflective and ethical approaches to public policy and institutional decision-making.
MEGAN GARDNER
Master of Science in Bio-Integrated Design – University College London
Megan Gardner is an interdisciplinary scholar and bioscientist from Brisbane. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Queensland. During her studies, she achieved a perfect GPA, was a UQ Excellence Scholar, and a recipient of the Paula and Tony Kinnane Scholarship. She has undertaken research with the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the UQ School of Communication and Arts. After working for several years in the arts sector, Megan now works as a programmer at the Institute of Modern Art. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Megan will study a Master of Science in Bio-Integrated Design at University College London. She will focus on developing novel engineered living materials that leverage microbiological functions for sustainable construction. In the future, Megan hopes to either pursue a career in research and development in the start-up space, or work in consulting to facilitate a sustainable and beautiful built environment.
DR JACKSON HARRISON
Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health – University of Oxford
Dr Jackson Harrison is a medical registrar from Sydney, currently working at St. Vincent’s Hospital and as a research associate with the University of Sydney School of Public Health. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney. He has broad clinical and research experience, and a strong interest in epidemiology and biostatistics. After graduating and completing his residency at Westmead Hospital, Jackson worked in a primary care clinic in rural Tanzania and raised funds to extend the maternal health services available to the local community. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Jackson will commence a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health with Oxford’s Big Data Institute, studying risk prediction tools for health resource allocation. In the future Jackson hopes to return to Australia to complete his clinical training and use statistical methods and data analysis to contribute to health equity both within Australia and internationally.
CHARLIE JOYCE
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies – University of Oxford
Charlie Joyce is a researcher, writer and advocate. Originally from Melbourne, he holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics and International Studies from the University of Melbourne, with first class results. Whilst there he was twice elected Education (Public Affairs) Officer at the Student Union. His Honours thesis compared multicultural and Indigenous policy debates at the 2022 federal election. Charlie is now a researcher at the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, having been awarded the prestigious Anne Kantor Fellowship in 2023. His research focuses on building capacity in Australia’s industrial base, workforce, and public service. Charlie has presented to major academic, political, and business conferences in Australia and New Zealand, appeared in major media outlets, and co-authored two articles for the Journal of Australian Political Economy. With his Ramsay Postgraduate scholarship, Charlie will study a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Oxford, focusing on the development of public institutional capacity through the renewable energy transition.
CHARLOTTE JUNG
Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations – University of Oxford
Charlotte Jung is an International Relations scholar from Brisbane. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree majoring in History and Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Queensland, for which she was awarded First Class Honours and the Cleary Memorial Prize for 2022. Upon graduating, she moved to the UK to complete a Master of Philosophy in International Relations at Oxford, where her thesis examined prosecutorial strategies towards the criminal classification of war crimes and crimes against humanity involving male victims of sexual and gender-based violence. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Charlotte will continue her studies at Oxford by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations – critiquing how gendered assumptions shape the (in)visibility of male victimhood within international criminal law. Charlotte is committed to strengthening human rights mechanisms and intends to pursue a career advancing prosecutorial reform within multilateral institutions, to ensure greater accountability for under-recognised forms of wartime harm.
YASMIN KIRK
Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action – Sciences Po, Paris
Yasmin Kirk is a senior policy officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra, working on sustainable development in the Pacific. Originally from Sydney, she studied at the Australian National University in Canberra and graduated with a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and a Bachelor of International Security Studies with a high distinction average. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in human security, supported by her roles as a research assistant and consultant on government policy. In her spare time, she enjoys competing in ocean swims and volunteering with community organisations. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Yasmin will study a Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action at Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs, specialising in environment and risk, and participate in an internship with an internationally focused organisation. In the future, Yasmin hopes to pursue a career in crisis management, improving regional coordination in disaster resilience and response.
ELIZABETH MANSERGH
Master of Philosophy in English Studies – University of Cambridge
Elizabeth Mansergh is a student of literature from Melbourne. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honours, specialising in English and Philosophy, from the University of Melbourne. Her Honours thesis examined the botanical specimen in the poetry of colonial author-artist Louisa Anne Meredith. In 2024, Elizabeth had a piece on Meredith published in the online journal Cordite Poetry Review. Her academic achievements include the John Sanderson Exhibition (2021) and Dean’s Honours List (2023 and 2024). Alongside her studies, Elizabeth volunteers with the State Library of Victoria and the community food charity Open Table. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Elizabeth will study a Master of Philosophy in English Studies at the University of Cambridge. She looks forward to bringing her knowledge of Australian literature into transnational contexts. In the future, she hopes to further contribute to the field of Australian literary studies and explore ways in which philosophy and literature intersect.
MAX MARTIN
Master of Arts in International Relations – Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Originally from Perth, Max Martin completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia, majoring in Economics and Finance. A semester abroad at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he studied international economics and Dutch history, sparked his interest in international relations and motivated him to pursue further study. In 2024, Max commenced a Master of Arts in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His studies at SAIS focus on the intersection of economics and strategy, with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. During a recent internship at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, Max gained hands-on experience in diplomatic service at one of Australia’s largest overseas posts, working across both the political and economic sections. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Max will complete his second year at the SAIS Washington, DC campus, where he hopes to further develop the expertise needed to contribute to Australia’s diplomatic and strategic objectives.
ALI MCCOOK
Master of Science in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment – University of Oxford
Ali McCook is a lawyer from Townsville, Queensland. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the Australian National University, for which she was awarded First Class Honours and the University Medal. She has published work on environmental regulation and deep-sea protection in several academic journals, including the Melbourne Journal of International Law and the Australian Journal of Competition and Consumer Law. After graduating, Ali completed an associateship with Justice Belinda Baker at the ACT Supreme Court. Ali seeks to use law and economics to protect our ecological resources and currently works as a regulatory lawyer at the Australian Government Solicitor with a focus on environmental and energy market litigation. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, she will study a Master of Science in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford. Following her degree, Ali hopes to create international legal and financial frameworks that encourage sustainable resource use.
ALEXANDRA MORT
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry – University of Oxford
Alexandra Mort is a physical chemist from Sydney, currently working as a casual academic. She holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Science and Mathematical Sciences, majoring in Chemistry and Astrophysics from the Australian National University. From the University of Sydney, she was awarded a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours and received numerous academic accolades, including the prestigious Janet Elspeth Crawford Prize in Chemistry for her research into the chemical design of aperiodic monotile tilings using DNA origami. Alexandra’s Honours research exhibits her passion for applying mathematical concepts to chemical systems for novel material design as a solution to climate-based issues. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Alexandra will continue exploring this interest, by investigating molecular transport and the design of ion-exchange membranes through a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Oxford. In the future, Alexandra hopes to pursue an academic career whilst working closely with Australian industry to develop material solutions to the pressing energy needs of Australia’s unique environmental landscape.
HANNAH MOURNEY
Master of Business Administration – University of Oxford
Hannah Mourney has worked across Sydney’s innovation ecosystem for the past four years. She holds a combined Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (German Major) from the University of Sydney. For her Honours thesis, she collaborated with a paediatric surgeon on the design of two paediatric orthopaedic implants. She is currently an Associate Director in the NSW Premier’s Department working in the development and implementation of the state’s innovation policy. Previously, she worked with Australia’s first impact investment venture capital fund, supporting early-stage ventures tackling the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Hannah will pursue an MBA at Oxford, focusing on the intersection of innovation, investment, and healthcare. She is seeking innovative funding options to help scale solutions that improve system access and outcomes in healthcare. Outside of work, she is a passionate football player, runner and adventurer.
ETHAN NEWNHAM
Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics – University of Oxford
Ethan Newnham is a neuroscience student from Melbourne. He holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Melbourne for which he made the Dean’s Honours list and is currently completing a Master of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. His Master’s research has used optical techniques to understand how perception is encoded in the cerebral cortex. Drawn to the complexity of information processing in the brain, he plans to pursue doctoral studies to investigate how critical cellular signals change in Alzheimer’s disease, building on an exciting recent discovery at Oxford. Beyond the lab, Ethan is a dedicated volunteer teacher for young neuroscience students and retirees at the University of the Third Age and is a Full Blue recipient for his achievements in Trampolining. In the future Ethan hopes to open his own laboratory in Melbourne and mentor the next generation of scientists as a supervisor or lecturer.
ELLA NORVILL
Master of Arts in History of Political Thought and Intellectual History – Queen Mary University of London and University College London
Ella Norvill grew up in Singapore and Australia, developing a keen interest in the history of the British Empire and the interconnected Western world’s interactions with other cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Advanced Humanities with First Class Honours majoring in Western Civilisation from the University of Queensland, where she was awarded a University Medal. Her thesis examined nineteenth-century legal cases considering Indigenous rights and sovereignty from Australia and the US, tracing their reception as precedent in modern law. She currently works for the Queensland State Government, supporting communities through the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Ella will pursue a Master of Arts in the History of Political Thought and Intellectual History at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, exploring the history of the English Common Law’s implementation throughout the British Empire. In the future, Ella hopes to work across the intersection of academia and policy.
VEDIKA RAMPAL
Master of Contemporary Art Practice – Royal College of Art, London
Vedika Rampal is an Indian-born contemporary visual artist and educator from Sydney whose research-led practice excavates complex histories, objects, memories and the archive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours (Class I and the University Medal) from the University of New South Wales. Represented by Dominik Mersch Gallery, Vedika has received numerous accolades such as the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Award, exhibited widely across Australia and been appointed to the Artist Advisory Committee at Firstdraft Gallery. With her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Vedika will pursue a Master of Contemporary Art Practice at the Royal College of Art in London. Her ambition is to initiate social change by developing a ‘decolonial poetics of re-inscription’ through the diverse material language of site-specific installation. In the future, Vedika hopes to create public-facing exhibitions on an international platform, work in academia and lead cross-cultural dialogues on historical injustices within global institutional contexts.
DR WADIE RASSAM
Master of Arts in Medical Education – Queen Mary University of London
Dr Wadie Rassam is a medical doctor from Brisbane. He holds a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine from Griffith University, for which he was Valedictorian and awarded the University Medal. He now works in Intensive Care at Ipswich Hospital. He also volunteers clinical lectures at Griffith University and is an Executive Director of the not-for-profit initiative ‘Ubuntu Through Health,’ which supports health projects in developing countries. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Wadie will study a Master of Medical Education at Queen Mary University of London. He is conscious about the challenges faced by doctors in training, and the fulfilment of helping junior doctors find their path is his driving force. He hopes this degree will equip him with the skills to both excel in clinical practice and medical training. In the future, Wadie hopes to pursue a career as a clinician-academic, with a focus on teaching and mentoring junior doctors.
MATHIAS RICHTER
Master of Philosophy in World History – University of Cambridge
Mathias Richter is a public servant from Sydney specialising in policy analysis and research. He holds a double degree from the Australian National University (ANU) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and Arts (with First Class Honours), where his thesis explored the early colonial history of Papua New Guinea (PNG). At ANU, he served as President of the Interhall Sports Organisation and coached ultramarathons. Since graduating, he has worked for the Victorian Parliament and the Australian Treasury, where he supported the design of a new ‘front door’ for investors to streamline engagement with government. With his Ramsay Postgraduate scholarship, Mathias will study a Master of Philosophy in World History at Cambridge, focusing on Australia’s relationship with PNG between 1975-1991. He has recently begun learning Tok Pisin, a lingua franca of PNG. In the future, Mathias hopes to work across research and public policy and contribute to discussions about Australia’s relationship with, and place within, the Pacific.
ALEXANDER SULLIVAN
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science – University of Oxford
Alexander Sullivan is a computer scientist and researcher from Brisbane who graduated with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics in Computer Science, Cum Laude, from Harvard University. He received highest honours from the Applied Mathematics Department for his thesis which improved the algorithmic fairness of selection techniques for elite sports teams. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Alexander will study a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford to develop new AI methods to protect the privacy of energy data whilst maintaining utility for system security, operations and further research. This builds upon Alexander’s work as a software engineer providing statistical performance analysis for a satellite array at Lynk Global. Whilst at Harvard and in his spare time Alexander rowed and debated competitively. Post study, Alexander hopes to continue his work on data privacy, developing new AI protection algorithms and helping to shape policies that safeguard Australians without hindering innovation.
TOBIAS THOMAS
Master of Philosophy in Classics – University of Cambridge
Tobias Thomas is a classicist from Sydney whose upbringing has instilled in him interests in literature, languages, historiography and material culture of the ancient world. He holds a Bachelor of Design Computing as well as a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Classics and Ancient History from the University of Sydney. His Honours thesis: Imperial Friendship? Proxenia in the Athenian Fifth Century examined how an honorific institution peculiar to fifth century BC Greece developed in parallel with nascent democratic ideologies. With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Tobias embarks upon a Master of Philosophy in Classics at the University of Cambridge, examining the legal aspects of proxenia to establish how informal and formal codes governed and continue to govern diplomatic institutions to this day. Tobias will utilise his expertise to establish a lasting positive impact for our society through a leadership career in the fields of academia, diplomacy and foreign policy.
ISABELLA VACAFLORES
Master of Philosophy in Politics (Political Theory) – University of Oxford
Isabella Vacaflores is a management consultant working primarily in the public sector practice at Boston Consulting Group. Originally from Sydney, she holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (First Class Honours) from the Australian National University, for which she received multiple scholarships. Her Honours thesis examined the impact of geopolitical competition on foreign aid effectiveness and was completed under the supervision of a fellow from The Development Policy Centre. Prior to consulting, she held research roles with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, the Grattan Institute, and The Ethics Centre. Her research has been published in the prestigious academic publication The Journal of Women Politics and Policy. With her Ramsay Scholarship, Isabella will explore models of democracy that will best support intergenerational fairness through a Master of Philosophy in Politics (Political Theory) at Oxford. In the future, Isabella hopes to have a career in public policy and politics.
DR WILLIAM WALDOCK
PhD in Clinical Medicine Research – Imperial College London
Dr William J. Waldock is a Sydney-born medical doctor, researcher, and clinical innovator trained at the University of Cambridge. He received six academic prizes including the Royal College of Surgeons BSc Prize whilst a medical student. William has conducted infectious disease, neurology and oncology research, and contributed to a systematic review in ophthalmology for The Lancet Global Health Commission. He was selected for the prestigious NIHR Academic Surgery and Innovation Foundation Programme. As a current PhD candidate at Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation, his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship will support his research on AI-driven approaches to antimicrobial resistance. His work has resulted in over 16 peer-reviewed publications and multiple international presentations. William is a 2025 Venture Institute Fellow, completed the Nucleate Global Activator Programme, and currently serves on the British Medical Journal Future Health Advisory Committee. He aspires to shape global health policy through clinically informed, digitally enabled innovation as a Chief Medical Officer.