23 May 2023: Two of our 2022 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars, Yifan Guo and Jennifer Tridgell, recently attended the Cambridge University Australia and New Zealand Society (CUANZS) Gala dinner.

CUANZS provides a network for Aussies and Kiwis living, studying, and working at the University of Cambridge running a range of social and networking events throughout the academic year. Every Lent term, CUANZS holds a dinner for all members and invited guests in one of Cambridge’s old dining halls.

Other CUANZS regular events include joint Oxford/Cambridge social and networking drinks with the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners, gatherings to welcome ‘Freshers’ in the Michaelmas term, and celebrations for the Melbourne Cup and other special national days.

2022 Ramsay Scholars Yifan Guo and Jennifer Tridgell are both studying at Cambridge. Yifan is studying a Master of Advanced Study in Pure Mathematics, while Jennifer Tridgell is studying a PhD (Law).

Through their Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships, they have joined a growing community of scholars, all emerging leaders in their fields of study, who will form invaluable networks in their future careers. Events such as the CUANZS Gala Ball further extend their networks during their time abroad.

Yifan wrote this reflection on the dinner:

“Jen and I had the honour of attending the Cambridge University Australian and New Zealand Society Annual Gala Dinner in April. In the historic Old Hall at Queen’s College that dates back to the 1400s, we got the opportunity to meet many other students from Australia and New Zealand pursuing diverse areas of study at Cambridge University.

“We were also joined by two Guests of Honour — Mr Nick Williams from the Australian High Commission in London, and His Excellency Honourable Phil Goff, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK. Following the ANZAC day service on the previous day, both speakers commemorated the sacrifices of the fallen and reflected upon Australia’s long-standing friendship with New Zealand and the UK. This close bond continues to benefit the people in all three nations, such as through Australia’s free trade agreement with the UK that will come into effect later this year — with the speakers particularly highlighting the increased avenues for youth mobility in pursuing educational and professional opportunities. The speakers also emphasised our role as future leaders in continuing this collaboration.

“Being able to follow the footsteps of many great Australians and New Zealanders in the past and receive one of the world’s best educations here at Cambridge University is an invaluable experience. Nevertheless, we cannot forget the responsibilities that come with such a privilege. It is our role to utilise our knowledge and skills to engage in cross-cultural engagements and interdisciplinary research, becoming ambassadors for the culture, value, and talent of our great nation.”

For more information on our Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships visit www.ramsaycentre.org/scholarships-courses/postgraduate-scholarships/

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