Wednesday 12 June 2024: Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars studying at the University of Oxford were excited to receive a visit from former Prime Minster and Ramsay Centre director the Hon Tony Abbott AC last month.

Mr Abbott was in the UK and invited the University of Oxford scholars to meet with him to discuss their study experiences, and future aspirations.

Approximately 10 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars met with Mr Abbott at the Oxford Union, where five years ago Mr Abbott delivered an address as part of the Union’s ‘People Who Shape Our World’ series.

Mr Abbott said he felt a sense of nostalgia being back at the University of Oxford which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.

2023 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar Samuel Murison, who is studying a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology at Oxford, said it was a privilege for him and other Ramsay Scholars to spend time with Mr Abbott.

Samuel has spearheaded support for AUKUS at Oxford University and is Founder and Co-Chair of the inaugural trilateral Oxford AUKUS Dialogue. His thesis explores how Australia is preparing for geostrategic futures in the Indo-Pacific, focussing on the role of wargames, simulations and scenario planning exercises.

“It was a great honour for Ramsay Scholars to welcome Australia’s 28th Prime Minister, The Hon Tony Abbott AC, back to Oxford for a morning of insightful discussions,” Samuel said.

“Scholars relished the opportunity to spar with Mr Abbott on our academic projects, extracurricular activities and current affairs. We expressed our eternal gratitude to Mr Paul Ramsay AO and were delighted to learn how his friendship with Mr Abbott was forged through the ideals of Jesuit education.

“Mr Abbott’s visit was kindly hosted by the Oxford Union, which was founded in 1823 as a bastion of free speech and debate, and the site of Mr Abbott’s compelling address in 2018. We are grateful for Mr Abbott’s generosity of spirit and warmly thank him for his visit.”

Interested in learning more about the Ramsay Centre’s Postgraduate Scholarships? Visit: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/scholarships-courses/postgraduate-scholarships/

Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098 / sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org