Eighteen Australians awarded 2025 John Monash Scholarships

Eighteen Australians have been named as the 2025 recipients of the John Monash Scholarships, including emerging leaders in aerospace, quantum physics, and cancer research.

The scholarships, awarded annually in honour of General Sir John Monash, recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to public service. The 2025 cohort was chosen from a record number of applicants and includes individuals who will study at prestigious institutions in the US, China, Germany, England, and Scotland.

This year marks the introduction of the Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholar, supported by the Western Australian Government, joining existing perpetual scholarships provided by New South Wales, Queensland, and Victorian governments.

The fields of study pursued by the scholars cover areas vital to Australia's future, including physics, public policy, engineering, artificial intelligence, defence, medicine, law, linguistics, education, conservation, and sustainability.

"The 2025 scholars are an outstanding group of Australians," Professor Paul Wellings CBE, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, highlighted. 

"They stood out as leaders in their fields, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve during and after their studies. It was especially rewarding to see the emergence of so many exceptional women in STEM."

Jillian Segal AO, Chairman of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, stated: "The scholars join a thriving community of John Monash Scholars contributing to critical issues in Australia and globally. Thank you to all our funding partners for making these scholarships possible. We are delighted that the Western Australian Government has joined us as a perpetual funder."

Paul Ramadge, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, commented, "We are confident that the 2025 John Monash Scholars will be key influencers and changemakers for the nation, in their chosen fields and more broadly."

"This announcement brings the number of Australians who have been awarded a John Monash Scholarship to 282, all of whom will benefit from being part of the John Monash Leadership Academy, our initiative to support scholars throughout their careers."

Dr Allen Gu, awarded as the Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, will study biostatistics at Harvard, aiming to advance his oncological research capabilities. Anish Badgeri, the Geoff Gallop Scholar, seeks to enhance education mentorship through studies at University College London.

Other notable recipients include Bernadette Dillon, who will focus on sign language studies at University College London, and Cara Faulkner, an aspiring quantum researcher at Oxford University.

The scholarships are funded by entities such as the Australian Universities Consortium, BHP, Commonwealth Bank, Rio Tinto, and various government bodies. This support fosters opportunities for scholars to engage in impactful research and public service-oriented careers.