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Issue 14 Promoting learning, development and co-operation July 2011 Clearing the way for CHOGM

OUR SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS · COUNTRY PROFILE – AUSTRALIA · NEWS ROUND-UP 1 OUR ALUMNI · NEW ECONOMICS AND FINANCE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK · NETWORKS AND EVENTS THIS ISSUE EDITORIAL

Cover Josh Frydenberg his issue of Commonwealth Scholarships News marks two (1996 Commonwealth Scholar, MPhil important milestones. Firstly, it looks ahead to the next International Relations, University of TCommonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Oxford) (right) participating in a local Perth, Australia, in October this year, by celebrating the clean-up event for Clean Up Australia achievements of Australian alumni (see pages 12 and 19). Day – read more about Josh on page 12 Secondly, it marks the launch of the CSC’s new Professional 2 Editorial Network in Economics and Finance. This new network will focus on 3 News round-up issues of interest to current and former Commonwealth Scholars The latest from the Commonwealth and Fellows working directly in or in areas related to economics, Scholarships community. finance, and business, in both the private and the public sector. It will also cater for researchers based in universities and research 4 Our Scholars and Fellows centres (find out how you can join on pages 16-17). An insight into the work of our current award holders. This issue also features alumni from across the Commonwealth with careers in the fields of economics and finance. Asheesh Advani shares his experience of starting his own company and overseeing its 6 Sailing with the Sea Shepherds A Commonwealth Scholar describes his expansion and later acquisition (see page 13). Many other alumni also hold senior positions in these unusual fieldwork experience on board areas, working in government ministries, national central banks, and even research institutes with a an anti-whaling ship. focus on building the capacity of business to strengthen communities through microfinance initiatives. 8 Commonwealth Heads of The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission must be commended for providing generations of Government congregate in students and professionals, particularly from less developed and emerging market economies, with Perth significant opportunities to deepen their technical skill and knowhow, expand their global outlook, and Looking ahead to the forthcoming exchange ideas on how economic, social and scientific progress can be harnessed to create a better CHOGM in October 2011. world for everyone. 10 Our alumni I had the good fortune of receiving both a Commonwealth Scholarship, to pursue doctoral studies in News and career updates from our economics at Queen Mary, University of London in 1991, and a Commonwealth Fellowship, to pursue former award holders. postdoctoral research on trade policy and modelling at the University of Nottingham in 2000. Both of 12 Alumni profile these opportunities enabled me to make some important academic, business, and policy contacts in Three Commonwealth Scholars from the UK, Europe, North America, and Africa. I gained a solid understanding of how global markets Australia share their achievements. function, and the awards allowed me to engage in important research and policy analysis with a network of people throughout the Commonwealth. My research, especially on trade modelling and 13 Entrepreneurship, new media policy, gained greater international attention and prominence and provided the catalyst for me to play and business a significant role in policy formulation, not only in my home country of Trinidad and Tobago, but also How one of our alumni has made it big in the wider Caribbean region. in the business world. I do believe that by providing a professional forum for ongoing collaboration, the new CSC 14 Our impact Professional Network can help policymakers and researchers throughout the Commonwealth find Analysis and news from the CSC’s solutions to pressing problems and thereby unlock the true potential of their respective countries. In a Evaluation and Monitoring Programme. world where uncertainty is the order of the day, this ongoing collaboration is one of the keys to 16 Networks and events economic survival and sustainable development. Reports from recent events attended by Scholars, Fellows and alumni. The Economics and Finance Professional Network will not just make a difference to educational advancement in many countries; it will also help citizens to contribute more effectively to the steady 17 CSFP News and sustainable development of their own societies and, by extension, the world. An update on the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. Shelton Nicholls Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago 18 Country profile – Australia Commonwealth Scholar, PhD Economics, Queen Mary, University of London, 1991-1994 A closer look at the CSFP in operation Commonwealth Fellow, Economics, University of Nottingham, 2000-2001 internationally.

Commonwealth Scholarships News Commonwealth Scholarships News is published twice a year by the Editorial Team: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom. Dr John Kirkland Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Jocelyn Law c/o The Association of Commonwealth Universities Nyssa Lee-Woolf Woburn House, 20–24 Tavistock Square Natasha Lokhun London, WC1H 9HF, UK Design and Print: [email protected] Innovative Output Solutions www.dfid.gov.uk/cscuk

2 Commonwealth Scholarships News NEWS ROUND-UP

2011 SELECTIONS COMMONWEALTH JUBILEE TIME CAPSULE countries during this period. Until March 2012, you The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has In honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond can enter your own history about a day in the last 60 made its selections for the 2011/2012 academic Jubilee, the Royal years which is important year, for the following schemes: Commonwealth to you or your country. Society (RCS) is Commonwealth Scholarships for candidates from assembling the world’s This is a chance to take developing Commonwealth countries, for Master’s biggest online time part in the world’s or PhD study (including Split-site Scholarships and capsule, covering each biggest online history scholarships to academic staff): 252 day of her 60-year time capsule, win some Commonwealth Scholarships for candidates from headship of the good prizes, and share developed Commonwealth countries, for PhD study: 18 Commonwealth. your stories. The Jubilee Time Capsule will Commonwealth Academic Fellowships, for The Jubilee Time form a prominent university staff from developing countries: 58 Capsule aims to be a Commonwealth Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, for mid- people’s history from dimension and digital career professionals from developing countries all over the legacy for Her Majesty’s (Round 1): 65 Commonwealth. The RCS wants to hear from you Diamond Jubilee in 2012. For more information, visit about events in your own families, communities and www.jubileetimecapsule.org

GOODENOUGH COLLEGE College is an ideal environment Goodenough College is an for international networking. independent college for international postgraduate Goodenough College would be students. It provides not only delighted to welcome any excellent accommodation and Commonwealth Scholars or study facilities, but also a lively and Fellows who return to London encouraging community, which is to pursue further postgraduate renowned for its tolerance and study. The College also offers a international understanding. fantastic choice of rooms and its own catering, available for As a distinctive academic and events. The Goodenough Club, professional community of over which is part of the College, 650 members from 90 countries, offers recently refurbished 4- the College encourages intellectual Goodenough College, London star hotel accommodation at exchange through workshops, competitive rates. For further seminars, conferences, and cultural, artistic and of London, within walking distance of the major details, visit www.goodenough.ac.uk or email sporting activities. Positioned in the academic heart universities and research institutions in London, the [email protected]

NEW BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER TO GHANA Government Meeting in Perth. We are working closely with Ghana and other HE Mr Peter Jones took up his post as British High Commissioner to Ghana in Commonwealth partners to make this a real success. We are fortunate that May 2011. Since arriving in Accra, he has been pleased to discover that Ghana itself is playing a leading role through its leadership of the ‘historical connections between the UK and Ghana remain a positive bedrock Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and providing a member of the for the relationship’. Eminent Persons Group producing proposals for adapting the Commonwealth to the priorities of the future.’ He says ‘We are pursuing a broad agenda across the High Commission and the DFID office, including not just core political, development, commercial, and Education remains a critical theme for the High Commissioner. ‘It is a significant visa work, but also a broader range of cooperation in areas such as police and part of the UK’s development agenda in Ghana for the next four years, as we anti-drugs work. There are a striking range of issues and threats common to work to achieve ambitious targets for ensuring more out-of-school children both the UK and Ghana. Our biggest asset is strong people-to-people contact attend school, training more teachers, and ensuring more girls attend high between the two countries. The Ghanaian diaspora community in the UK is school. The British Council has a leading role in this too, promoting connections estimated to be about half a million strong, and there are many people with a between young people in both countries, as part of its work to encourage foot in both countries. professional, educational, and cultural links.’

‘The Commonwealth gives an added dimension to our work. 2011 is an Peter says ‘I am confident that the future for UK/Ghana relations is very rosy, important year for Commonwealth renewal, centred around the Heads of and I’m looking forward to helping take them forward’.

July 2011 3 OUR SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS This issue features a selection of our most recent Commonwealth Academic and Professional Fellows, who share what they have learnt during their awards, and how this will shape their careers.

PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH TO HELP TREAT CONTROLLING INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN Scholarship. ‘My research involved conducting soil CANCER LIVESTOCK analyses to establish the extent of arsenic Dr Ajit Singh, from India, contamination in selected Ghanaian gold mining- also held a 2010 impacted paddy fields; setting up pot experiments to Commonwealth Academic better understand some of the factors that influence Fellowship, at the Institute arsenic accumulation and speciation in rice plants; and for Animal Health, examining arsenic speciation in rice grains sourced Pirbright. ‘My fellowship from Ghanaian markets. was aimed at veterinary immunology. Modern ‘I am particularly proud of the new contacts that were methods of investigation established during my fellowship, since these provide were employed and the the opportunity to facilitate research links between my findings of my study could host and home universities and countries. I am Maruf Ahmed, Commonwealth Academic Fellow be useful for the currently helping to plan a meeting to be held in Accra, from Bangladesh Ajit Singh, development of immuno- Ghana, in August 2011 between researchers from the Commonwealth therapeutic agents and University of Aberdeen and Ghanaian counterparts to Dr Maruf Ahmed is a 2010 Commonwealth Academic Academic Fellow at novel adjuvants for explore synergies for addressing pertinent Fellow from Bangladesh, based at the University of the Institute for veterinary vaccines. environmental pollution, law and development issues. Wolverhampton. His fellowship focused on the Animal Health, molecular pharmacology of rhegnylogically-organised Pirbright ‘Being home to world- cell penetrating peptides, in particular, to check if renowned scientific these peptides are able to kill cancer cells. Maruf institutions and the hopes that his fellowship will help him to continue his opportunity to interact with experts in the field were biomedical research back home. my main reasons for studying in the UK. I found the UK the land of people that promote learning and ‘I had a dream to further my pharmacology research improvement of the human condition, and in the UK. Since my childhood, I have known that encourage acquisition and testing of the greatest England is the Mecca for medical science. It has the human values. modern equipment and technology available, and I found my laboratory extremely suitable for such ‘I would very much like and hope to start a advanced research. collaborative programme for developing tools and Eureka Adomako, 2010 Commonwealth strategies for the control of infectious diseases in Academic Fellow ‘I enjoyed the environment of the university domestic animals in the near future. I hope that laboratory where I worked. All my colleagues were joint programmes can be initiated for reliable extremely cooperative and I am proud to be a part of diagnostic tests, safer and more efficacious vaccines, ‘The benefits I derived from the Commonwealth their team. I have also contributed to a manuscript establishing scientific networks, and so on. Academic Fellowship are not easily quantifiable. My intended to be published soon. experiences in the UK have broadened my outlook on ‘My fellowship benefited me in more than one life and redefined my goals and aspirations. Improved ‘This fellowship has given me ample chance to manner. The knowledge I have gained here will research and networking skills are just the icing on the experience modern research in a developed country help to address the problems of infectious diseases cake.’ like the UK. I have talked to my supervisor in the UK confronting the livestock industry which could be about beginning a joint collaboration with my better reviewed. I have explored potential areas for BUILDING BRIDGES IN UGANDA department in Bangladesh. I hope students in my future collaboration, acquired new scientific skills Jonathan Tugume works for the Uganda National department will also experience modern research and and upgraded my current ones, and broadened my Roads Authority (UNRA) as a Monitoring and education through this collaboration. social and cultural horizons.’ Evaluation Officer, and came to the UK in September 2010 on a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship ‘My fellowship has provided immense benefit to my EXAMINING LINKS BETWEEN GOLD MINING hosted by Mott MacDonald (an international research and teaching career. I have learned advanced AND ARSENIC CONTAMINATION management, engineering and development technologies and theories which I can share with my 2010 Commonwealth Academic Fellow Dr Eureka consultancy). colleagues and students in the Department of Adomako, from Ghana, was based at the University of Pharmacy at the University of Rajshahi. I am proud to Aberdeen – the same institution at which she Jonathan’s month-long fellowship programme began be a Commonwealth Academic Fellow.’ completed her PhD in 2008 on a Commonwealth at Mott MacDonald’s Southampton offices, where he

4 Commonwealth Scholarships News IN YOUR OWN WORDS Alexandra Murray is a 2008 Commonwealth Scholar from Australia, studying at the University of Oxford. She explains how she has benefited from her scholarship, and what she plans to do afterwards.

learnt about the Albania Bridge Management System, am studying a cross between psychology and woman speak openly was a great experience. as well as projects undertaken by the firm on the UK’s neuroscience. In some ways, it is very basic Also, I was lucky enough to attend a weekend at trunk roads and motorway network. He then visited Iscience to help the understanding of the visual Cumberland Lodge where Commonwealth Bristol, where he participated in inspection, data system – what the limits of processing are and Scholars and Fellows from all over the UK came collection, and analysis of bridges. Jonathan also how we can modify what is prioritised and together to discuss democracy and human rights. spent time with the company’s bridge specialist team successfully maintained. During my time as a That was one weekend that I will remember for in Croydon, where he visited various rehabilitated DPhil student, I have conducted many the rest of my life. It made me realise how rich structures and attended meetings to discuss the behavioural experiments and have collected and diverse the Commonwealth truly is. techniques and analytical methods used in the neuroimaging data, and I have been lucky evaluation and design of the structures. enough to work with experts in the analysis of this Ultimately, I want to return to Australia and data, so I am hoping to take these skills back to somehow use the research skills that I have Mott MacDonald believes that the benefits of hosting Australia. developed while Professional Fellows include a better understanding being here. That could of the issues and problems faced in developing Ever since I was a little girl, I be as an academic, countries, and the opportunity to strengthen ties with have had a very romantic directly passing on the a client. The company feels that its UK staff have idea of one day doing a techniques that I have learned a great deal about UNRA and the challenges postgraduate degree in the learnt (in a similar it faces. UK. It has been such an field), or applying the incredible experience; for skills I have to Jonathan himself also reports positively on his example, my college has a My Commonwealth studying mental fellowship. ‘I brought home practical skills in the history dating back to the illnesses and inspection and analysis of existing bridge structures 13th century. For someone Scholarship made it disorders. During my and a richer understanding of bridge repair and who comes from a country time as a postgraduate strengthening techniques. In addition, I have where European settlement possible for me to do student, I believe that acquired working skills on design requirements and was just over 200 years ago, what I always thought it has been important applications for long-span bridges. it is completely mind- to get the basic blowing! Culturally, I have was impossible. science correct, before ‘My fellowship will go a long way to inform my found it more different from applying it to complex current involvement in the delivery of the bridge Australia than I expected, so (and possibly more maintenance and reconstruction program at the it has been nice to learn ecologically valid) Uganda National Roads Authority. I feel better about the UK and British situations. Oxford is prepared for my role in delivering the upcoming people. I have had some definitely one of the design and construction of the first long-span cable- opportunities while I have best places in the stayed bridge in Uganda, a project I am privileged to been here to travel around world to refine these have been part of from its inception. Having the UK and it is a truly skills. experienced the realm of capabilities and beautiful country (especially in summer!). competencies of firms like Motts, I am especially keen Without a Commonwealth Scholarship, I simply to ensure that UNRA draws the most from future During the past three years, I have had some would not be at Oxford. I came from a rural service contracts with similar global consultants.’ great times and met some truly fascinating background; my (now retired) parents were people, both through my course and college and macadamia farmers in northern New South through the Commonwealth network. In my Wales. All through high school and my second year, I was coordinator of the Oxford and undergraduate degree, I never really thought I Midlands Regional Network. The highlight of that could actually go to the UK to study. Few people time was the Rhodes and Commonwealth cricket from my area have a university degree and the match, where Commonwealth came through idea of doing a postgraduate degree overseas is right at the end to take the match and a almost ridiculous to some. Although it sounds celebratory BBQ was enjoyed by all! In addition, clichéd, my Commonwealth Scholarship made it this year we had the opportunity to hear Sonia possible for me to do what I always thought was Gandhi speak in London as part of the impossible. I am now in my final year of my DPhil celebrations for Commonwealth Day, under the and a whole range of future possibilities are Jonathan Tugume, Commonwealth Professional theme ‘Women as Agents of Change’. It was such opening up in front of me. I am so grateful to be Fellow at Mott MacDonald a wonderful night and to hear such an influential given this opportunity.

July 2011 5 SAILING WITH THE SEA SHEPHERDS Teale Phelps Bondaroff is a 2009 Commonwealth Scholar from Canada, studying at the University of Cambridge. He described the subject of his PhD thesis – the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society – in Issue 12 of Commonwealth Scholarships News (May 2010). Here, he provides an update on his fieldwork experience accompanying the organisation during a recent anti-whaling campaign.

Teale Bondaroff on shore, next to the Bob Barker

have recently returned from the Southern Ocean the whalers has gradually declined, and the whalers fleet split up, and the Bob Barker set sail for the and Antarctica, where I was conducting fieldwork have failed to meet their self-imposed quotas for the Southern Ocean. Ion the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s (Sea past five seasons. This season was Sea Shepherd’s Shepherd) anti-whaling campaign. I spent three most successful campaign to date: the whalers On a mid-December evening, towering out of the months engaging in participant observation on caught only 10 per cent of their quota and ended mist loomed the massive form of the first iceberg of board the Sea Shepherd vessel the Bob Barker as it their operations a month early, blaming repeated the campaign – and the first iceberg I have ever engaged in ‘Operation No Compromise,’ from harassment from Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherd seen. More would follow, and we were soon among December 2010 to March 2011. Operation No campaigns have also brought international attention the white giants. The ice we encountered took on Compromise was Sea Shepherd’s seventh campaign to bear on Antarctic whaling. every conceivable shape, from tiny floating growlers against Japanese Antarctic whaling, which Sea which assumed twisted and phantasmagoric forms, Shepherd argues is illegal and a commercial hunt, What makes the study of Sea Shepherd interesting to large columns and arches rising from the azure while Japan maintains its whaling is for research from an international relations perspective is that sea which would have made an architect weep, to purposes. The Bob Barker spent 95 days at sea, and international incidents emerge as a result of the massive tabletop icebergs stretching for miles, was at the heart of an action-packed campaign. nature of Sea Shepherd’s campaign strategy. Such appearing like the cliffs of Dover. The palette of incidents, including last season’s ramming and colours contained in the icebergs were also I am a Commonwealth Scholar in the second year of sinking of a Sea Shepherd vessel by a Japanese incredible; these floating marvels contained infinite my PhD at the University of Cambridge, in the security vessel, have focused public and government shades of blue, grey, purple, and even yellows and Department of Politics and International Studies. My attention on whaling. The pressure created by greens. The waves beating against their sides research in general looks at the strategies of non- numerous incidents can be seen as one of the produced a thunderous percussion. Nearly every governmental organisations (NGOs) in international reasons why Australia, after so many years of iceberg was accompanied by a squadron of sea affairs, and specifically examines the strategy of Sea inaction, recently decided to pursue Japan in the birds, and the ship would be buzzed by snow petrels Shepherd. Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation International Court of Justice over the issue of and albatross as we approached these frozen organisation which engages in confrontational direct Antarctic whaling. wonders. action on the high seas. Founded in the late 1970s, it campaigns on a variety of marine issues and, since The Sea Shepherd campaign has gradually been Antarctica is a land which challenges your vocabulary 2005, it has been actively campaigning against growing in size, and this year three vessels were as you search for adjectives to describe it. In addition Japanese whaling in Antarctica. Sea Shepherd launched: two large vessels, the Bob Barker and to ice, we encountered all manner of Antarctic employs a wide range of direct action tactics aimed Steve Irwin, and the newly-acquired speedboat wildlife. Throughout the course of the campaign, it at disrupting whaling operations, which have Gojira. The combined crews of the three ships was not uncommon to look out of the porthole and included throwing canisters of butyric acid (stink comprised 88 volunteers, from 23 different see a crabeater seal lounging on an iceberg or a bombs, which contaminate whale meat and make countries, as well as a film crew shooting the fourth dinner party of Adelie or King penguins. And, of decks unworkable), throwing cellulose powder (to season of the hit American cable television series course, we encountered whales. We were make decks slippery), attempting to disable whaling Whale Wars. The whaling fleet, on the other hand, accompanied by orcas and dolphins as we departed vessels by entangling prop fouling lines in their comprised the Nisshin Maru (the factory ship), and Hobart, and throughout our sojourn in the ice we propellers, and boarding whaling ships. While its three harpoon vessels: the Yushin Maru, Yushin encountered numerous fin, minke and humpback tactics remain controversial and confrontational, Maru #2, and Yushin Maru #3, the latter of which whales. none of them have ever resulted in any casualties or was also equipped with high-powered water serious injury, either on the part of the activists or cannons and doubled as the whalers’ security vessel. In amongst this beauty, the Bob Barker and its crew their opponents. searched for the whaling fleet. We encountered the My fieldwork began upon my arrival in Hobart, first harpoon vessel on New Year’s Eve, as did the Sea Shepherd campaigns have had a tangible impact Tasmania, in late November 2010, where I spent a Steve Irwin; the whalers then processed to tail the on Japanese whaling. Since campaigns started in the week familiarising myself with the crew and vessels Sea Shepherd vessels. This was problematic, as it Southern Ocean, the number of whales caught by prior to the start of the campaign. The Sea Shepherd meant that the harpoon vessels were able to relay

6 Commonwealth Scholarships News the Sea Shepherd ships’ positions to the factory ship, which afforded the Bob allowing it to stay outside of the radar range of the Barker more than Sea Shepherd vessels. This prevented Sea Shepherd enough time to from encountering the factory ship and blocking its disappear into the icy slipway, which would prevent whaling and was the Ross Sea. ultimate goal of the campaign. This was unarguably the Over the course of January, several attempts were turning point of the made to delay or disable the tailing harpoon vessels campaign, and the long enough to allow the Sea Shepherd vessels to elation of the crew at escape beyond the radar horizon and search for the finally having escaped factory ship unimpeded. In these engagements, Sea our shadow was only Shepherd would launch fast boats which would eclipsed a week later harass the harpoon vessel, zipping around the large when the Gojira manoeuvrable vessels, coming perilously close in discovered the factory order to drop prop foulers and throw smoke flares ship. Our vessel quickly Teale Bondaroff taking notes while at sea and butyric acid. At one stage the whalers intercepted the Nisshin reciprocated, throwing long bamboo poles at the Maru and, after some rigid inflatable fast boats in what could only have delicate manoeuvring against the repaired Yushin abruptly turned off its water cannons and turned been an attempt to puncture the small crafts. During Maru #3, assumed a position behind the ship’s north, just prior to entering Chilean continental one engagement, the fast boat crews successfully slipway. The Bob Barker maintained this position for territorial waters. The whalers were apparently planted a tracking device on the trailing harpoon the next two weeks, and the Yushin Maru #3 unwilling to test Chile’s resolve. vessel, which helped Sea Shepherd locate the followed the Bob Barker. As the pursuit drew on, the whaling fleet’s refuelling vessel some days later. The Nisshin Maru drew closer to the Drake Passage at On the same day, the Japanese government Sea Shepherd fleet converged on the tanker and the southern horn of South America, which contains announced an early end to their whaling season. sought to block any attempts at refuelling; none the overlapping territorial claims of several states – a The following day, the Bob Barker disengaged from were made. The Bob Barker tailed the tanker until it veritable political minefield. In potentially passing the Nisshin Maru and set a course for Hobart. The had exited the whaling ground, at which point it through the waters of several anti-whaling states, two large Sea Shepherd ships were met by a disengaged and resumed its search for the factory such as Chile and Argentina, the whaling fleet was cheering crowd upon their arrival, as well as the ship for the remainder of January, the task challenging these states to take action and risked Australian Federal Police, who raided and searched encumbered by the trailing harpoon vessel. potentially serious consequences. the vessels.

The high action continued, and an additional The incident which unfolded was the most The campaign was an amazing adventure, as well as attempt to lose our vessel’s shadow was made on significant event of the campaign from an an incredibly valuable research experience. Over the 3rd February, this time with the assistance of the international relations perspective. As the factory course of my fieldwork, I gathered a wealth of Gojira. The Sea Shepherd boats sped at the Yushin ship drew closer to Chilean waters, the Chilean material on Sea Shepherd and the campaign, and Maru #3, and the harried harpoon vessel zigzagged government declared that it would send a naval disembarked from the Bob Barker with a veritable this way and that, thrashing about like a wounded vessel to intercept the Nisshin Maru should it enter library of material, totalling nearly 2,000 pages of animal, spray and mist rising from its high-powered its waters. This was sufficient to drive away the field notes. I am grateful to the Commonwealth water cannons. After many hours, the bow and trailing harpoon vessel, and the Yushin Maru #3 Scholarship Commission for their continued support wheelhouse of the harpoon vessel were peppered disengaged just prior to entering Chilean Antarctic of my research, and to my partner Stephanie, who with paint, and the ship ground to a halt. It remained waters. The Nisshin Maru maintained its easterly was my only link to the outside world through our dead in the water for at least the next three days, course, until the morning of 18th February, when it sporadic emails.

July 2011 7 COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT CONGREGATE IN PERTH Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. The next CHOGM will be held in Perth, Australia, from 28-30 October 2011.

WHAT IS CHOGM? CHOGM 2009 • Dr Emmanuel O Akwetey – founding Executive Commonwealth leaders have The last CHOGM was Director of the Institute for Democratic held regular meetings since the held in Trinidad and Governance, Ghana formation of the Commonwealth Tobago in November • Patricia Francis – Executive Director of the in 1959. The name 2009, under the theme International Trade Centre ‘Commonwealth Heads of ‘Partnering for a more • Dr Asma Jahangir – Chair of the Human Rights Government Meeting’ was equitable and Commission, Pakistan adopted at a meeting in sustainable future’. • Mr Samuel Kavuma – student leader in Uganda Singapore in 1971. and interim Chairperson of the Commonwealth Climate change was the Youth Caucus CHOGMs act as the principal major topic of • The Hon Michael Kirby – former Justice of the policy and decision-making discussion, ahead of High Court of Australia forum of the Commonwealth, COP 15, the UN Climate • Dr Graça Machel – former Minister of Education guiding its strategic direction. The Change Conference and Culture, Mozambique meetings begin with a formal (otherwise known as • Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind – former Secretary of opening ceremony and a formal executive session. the Copenhagen Summit), held in early December. State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, UK After this, the leaders meet in a private ‘retreat’. In recognition of the degree of global concern, as • Sir Ronald Sanders – former Caribbean senior well as the fact that many Commonwealth states are diplomat CHOGM offers Commonwealth leaders two unique especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, • Senator Hugh Segal – member of the Canadian opportunities. Firstly, the informal atmosphere of the the UN Secretary-General, the President of France, Senate retreats encourages full and frank discussion, as well and the Prime Minister of Denmark were also invited • Sir Ieremia Tabai – first President of Kiribati as decision-making based on consensus. Secondly, to a Special Session on Climate Change at the these meetings enable those countries with a lower CHOGM – the first time that non-Commonwealth The EPG met four times between July 2010 and March international profile – 32 out of the 54 member leaders have attended the meeting. 2011, and received over 230 written submissions from countries of the Commonwealth are classified as Commonwealth organisations, as well as numerous small states – to meet and discuss matters with more CHOGM 2011 communications from individuals, all of which will powerful states on an equal footing. The theme for this year’s CHOGM is ‘Building feed into its report to leaders at the 2011 CHOGM. National Resilience, Building Global Resilience’. One In recent years, civil society and other groups have major topic of discussion on the agenda will be the At the end of their last meeting, the group stated ‘The also held meetings alongside CHOGM. In 2011, report of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group Commonwealth is in danger of becoming irrelevant parallel events include the Commonwealth Youth (EPG) on the future of the Commonwealth. and unconvincing as a values-based association. To Forum (23-27 October), Commonwealth People’s safeguard against this danger we will recommend to Forum (25-27 October), and the Commonwealth The EPG was established at the 2009 CHOGM, where leaders the adoption of proposals that will strengthen Business Forum (25-27 October). Commonwealth leaders called for the ‘creation of an the Commonwealth, both as an association of Eminent Persons Group to undertake an examination governments and of peoples’. Some of the important discussions and decisions at of options for reform in order to bring the CHOGMs have included: Commonwealth’s many institutions into a stronger In keeping with the consultative nature of the process • majority rule and independence for Zimbabwe and more effective framework of co-operation and to date, the EPG invited comments on the outline of (Lusaka 1979) partnership’. its report in May 2011, ahead of preparing the final • sanctions against South Africa and the version for CHOGM. The general direction of its encouragement of the end of apartheid (Nassau The EPG has been tasked with developing options recommendations includes: 1985, London 1986, Vancouver 1987, Kuala for reform to sharpen the impact, strengthen Lumpur 1989, Harare 1991) the networks, and raise the profile of Championing values • nuclear testing in the Pacific (Auckland 1995) the Commonwealth. It comprises the following • A ‘Charter of the Commonwealth’ developed by • Zimbabwe’s suspension then departure from members: and for Commonwealth citizens Commonwealth membership (Abuja 2003) • Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Chairperson) – • Appointing a Commissioner for Democracy and former Prime Minister of Malaysia the Rule of Law to provide objective information

8 Commonwealth Scholarships News © Commonwealth Secretariat (l-r) Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, and Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Rasmussen discuss climate change at the 2009 CHOGM

to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the • Member governments demonstrating their active vulnerable economies Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) commitment to young people through funding • Establishing a working relationship with • Consolidating and expanding the range of for the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) organisations concerned with disaster measures available to the Secretary-General and • Supporting youth representatives to improve management throughout the Commonwealth, to to CMAG to better respond where their local communities through working maintain a roster of professionals for advice Commonwealth values are violated relationships with local governance structures • Establishing academies for democracy and • Scaling up significantly the CYP’s ‘Youth Institutions fit for purpose election training Ambassadors for Positive Living’ programme, • Significant rationalisation of the Commonwealth • Strengthening the culture of democracy and of which encourages peer-to-peer education on Secretariat’s work plan by the end of 2012 democratic leadership through broadening the HIV/AIDS • A budget increase to enable the Secretariat to terms and work of Commonwealth election • All Commonwealth member governments attract the best international talent observers, and providing sound parliamentary establishing national mechanisms to enable the • Maximising time for dialogue and practical advice views of young people to be taken into account outcomes on the priority issues of the day at the in national policy development CHOGM retreat, and issuing a Chairman’s Enhancing the Commonwealth’s role in • Encouraging members of the Commonwealth statement reflecting actual discussions and development and trade Youth Caucus in their efforts to develop a decisions • Maintaining development at the heart of the constitution • A considered plan for CHOGMs which informs Commonwealth’s advocacy work • All member countries and all Commonwealth the media regularly of the progress of discussions • Maximising the influence of Commonwealth organisations removing any barrier to the and provides full disclosure to the outcomes member states acting together in organisations employment of young people who qualify for • Giving the Commonwealth Foundation an explicit such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), positions mandate to mobilise Commonwealth civil society World Trade Organization (WTO) and World • All member countries and all Commonwealth around global issues Bank, as well as in the G20 organisations exploring the feasibility of • Expanding opportunities for citizens, such as • Safeguarding and increasing a dedicated budget introducing an internship programme scholarships and professional exchanges, and for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ‘technical • Commonwealth organisations involving young expanding the ‘footprint’ of the Commonwealth assistance work’ people as partners by creating incentives for Commonwealth • Heads of Government taking a collective interest • Encouraging all possible measures for the organisations to relocate out of the UK. This could in the debt challenges of developing countries entrepreneurial and economic empowerment of include further support for the CSFP, including • Convening a meeting for Commonwealth youth through the creation of a dedicated post at the Ministers responsible for foreign trade to try to Secretariat reach a consensus on a set of initiatives that Women • Strengthening the development of strategic could help to bring the current Doha Round of • Advancing the Commonwealth’s work for the relationships between the Secretariat and the UN negotiations at the WTO to a successful economic and social empowerment of women system and others, including private sector and conclusion through a number of practical measures philanthropic organisations • Selected Commonwealth donor countries • Ensuring that the Secretary-General and all establishing a Commonwealth Trade Facilitation Tackling HIV/AIDS Commonwealth governments play their part in Trust Fund • The Secretary-General working with UN bodies enhancing the public profile of the association • Re-establishing the annual meeting of a to develop joint programmes with private sector Ministerial Group specifically on small states organisations The EPG will present their recommendations to • Providing extra financial support to improve • Heads of Government taking steps to encourage Commonwealth leaders in October. While CHOGM training requirements for small states in meeting the repeal of laws that may impede an effective will make the final decision on the future strategic international regulatory requirements response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic direction of the Commonwealth, it is clear that the EPG’s report will have a powerful impact. As its Young people, sport and development Coping with climate change Chairperson, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has • Giving political and practical support to ‘sport for • Exploring the potential for partnerships between said, ‘Our goal is to re-invigorate the development’ initiatives aimed at promoting the the Commonwealth, the World Bank, and others Commonwealth so that we can improve the lives of development of young people to provide specific programmes of support to Commonwealth people’.

July 2011 9 OUR ALUMNI

and approximately 7,000 health care workers and the field of public health and his continuous support Alumni news students. He is actively working towards similar for those affected by the 2010 floods in the region. adoption by medical and dental councils in India. COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARS SHARE Mian is the founder and Chief Executive of Welfare KNOWLEDGE AT DENTISTRY CONFERENCE Both the conference presentations were appreciated Hand Organisation, Peshawar, which has been Professor Neeraj Gugnani (2008 Commonwealth by all those attending, and showed the ongoing assisting patients affected by blood disorders, such Scholar from India, Dental Sciences, University of impact that former Commonwealth Scholars have in as thalassemia, haemophilia, HIV/AIDS, and Manchester) and Dr Rishi Bali (2009 their home countries following their awards. hepatitis, since 1994. Commonwealth Scholar from India, Infection Control, Imperial College London) were both invited INNOVATION IN ULTRASOUND AND to be guest ANAESTHESIA Awards and prizes speakers at the prestigious Indian Professor Upali Amarasinghe (1999 Commonwealth Dental Conference, Academic Fellow from Sri Lanka, Fisheries Biology, held in Jaipur, India, Imperial College London) has been awarded a in February 2011. Doctorate of Science by Bangor University in the UK, for his lifelong contribution to fisheries biology and Neeraj and Rishi the development of inland fisheries in Sri Lanka. share the same Upali is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at home employer: the University of Kelaniya. DAV Dental College and Hospital. Dr Amit Dey (1995 Commonwealth Scholar from Neeraj Gugnani, former During their India, PhD History, Royal Holloway, University of Atul Gaur, former Commonwealth Academic Commonwealth Scholar, at the scholarships, Neeraj London) was selected to participate in the US State Fellow from India 64th Indian Dental Conference worked in the field Department’s ‘Study of the US Institute on Religious of early caries Pluralism’ in 2010. Through the programme, which diagnosis, while Rishi researched infection control Dr Atul Gaur (1995 Commonwealth Academic has the long-term aim of promoting peace through and occupational safety in dentistry. Fellow from India, Glenfield Hospital (Leicester)) is a encouraging mutual understanding, academics from Consultant Anaesthetist at the University Hospitals of 17 countries learnt how various religious groups in Neeraj spoke at the conference about ‘Caries Leicester NHS Trust, and a Founder Director of the the USA are trying to promote better understanding diagnosis: international trends and the Indian Society for Ultrasound in Anaesthesia. between different communities. Amit is currently a scenario’. He discussed the need for a change in the Reader in and Head of the Department of History at mindset of dentists in developing countries to The Society is a not-for-profit organisation registered the University of Calcutta, India. diagnose the disease at an early stage. He shared the in England and Wales, and is about to launch knowledge gained during his scholarship about postgraduate certificate courses in the use of Md Shahidul Islam (2009 Commonwealth Scholar modern technological tools, and suggested that, with ultrasound and critical care via distributed learning. from Bangladesh, MSc Accounting and Finance, modern techniques, it is possible to achieve the University of Manchester) has received a prize for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of caries- COMMUNITY HEALTH WORK RECOGNISED best performance on his MSc course over the free generations in the future. Mian Atiq ur academic year. Shahidul has now returned to Rehman (left), former Bangladesh and his post as a Lecturer in Accounting Rishi’s presentation, on ‘Risk of blood borne viruses Commonwealth at the University of Dhaka. in Dentistry’, discussed the risk of occupational Professional Fellow, exposure to blood-borne viruses such as HIV, receiving a donation Dr Ida Paul (2003 Commonwealth Split-site Scholar hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. He emphasised that, from Ameer Haider from South Africa, PhD Environmental Management, although occupational exposure can be minimised Khan Hoti, Chief University of Pretoria and Durham University) has by strict adherence to universal precautions, it Minister of the Khyber been named as a 2011 Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women cannot be completely eliminated, so it is imperative Pukhtoon Khawa in Triticum Award recipient, in recognition of her that dentists remain adequately immunised and take province, Pakistan outreach work and her efforts in combating wheat proper precautions. He appealed to the Indian rust in South Africa. The award provides professional authorities to set a regulation, similar to that in the Mian Atiq ur Rehman (2007 Commonwealth development opportunities for early career female UK, for mandatory immunisation of all dental health Professional Fellow from Pakistan, Public Health, researchers. As a result, Ida, a plant pathologist at the care workers against hepatitis B. Rishi has now had Black Health Agency) has recently been honoured Agricultural Research Council, has been invited to such a resolution passed at the Haryana State Health by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pukhtoon Khawa encourage female students to pursue a career in University, which has 10 affiliated dental institutions province in Pakistan for his valuable contribution to agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch.

10 Commonwealth Scholarships News Professor Mahinda Wijeratne (1994 Commonwealth Lecturer in English Studies at the University of South Fellow from Sri Lanka, Agricultural Extension, Recent Africa. Jessica is also an Honorary Research Associate University of Reading) has won the CVCD Excellence at the University of Johannesburg. Award 2010 for Most Outstanding Researcher in the appointments field of social sciences. The award was presented by Professor Olu Obafemi (1989 Commonwealth the President of Sri Lanka to Mahinda for his Dr Emmanuel Akpabio (2004 Commonwealth Split- Academic Fellow from Nigeria, African Drama, research contribution to agricultural economics, site Scholar from Nigeria, PhD Environmental and University of Leeds) has been appointed Director of technology transfer, community development, and Resource Management, University of Uyo and Research at the National Institute for Policy and environmental economics. In addition, Mahinda, a Lancaster University) has been appointed Research Strategic Studies, a key policy Senior Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Fellow in the Department of Political and Cultural think tank in Nigeria. Olu is University of Ruhuna, has made a valuable effort to Change at the Centre for Development Research, currently a Professor of English improve the economic and social welfare of rural University of Bonn, Germany. Previously, Emmanuel at the University of Ilorin. communities, through a number of extension was a Lecturer in the Department of Geography at programmes. the University of Uyo. Olu Obafemi, former Commonwealth Academic Philemon Chebon (2006 Commonwealth Fellow from Nigeria Professional Fellow from Kenya, Education, Book Aid Publications International) has been appointed Chair of the Geeta Oberoi (2008 Commonwealth Split-site Scholar Board of Governors of the Kenya Technical Teachers from India, PhD Law, University of Delhi and Ashitava Halder (2004 Commonwealth Distance Training College for a three-year term. The college University of Warwick) has been appointed Additional Learning Scholar from Bangladesh, MSc Aquatic was established with the aim of training technically- Director of the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, India. Resource Development, University of Stirling) skilled personnel to teach in technical institutions. has published a book based on his MSc thesis, Jonathan Pickering (2005 Commonwealth Scholar Co-management of Wetlands May Contribute Dr Nneoyi Egbe (2005 Commonwealth Scholar from from Australia, MSc Development Studies, London to the Livelihood of People (VDM Verlag Dr Nigeria, PhD Medical Physics, University of School of Economics and Political Science) is Müller, 2010). Aberdeen) has been appointed Head of the undertaking a PhD in climate and development ethics Department of Radiography at the University of at the Australian National University, on leave from his Calabar, Nigeria. post as Project Manager at AusAID.

Innocent Dilbar Feroze (2006 Commonwealth Matilda Phiri (2009 Commonwealth Scholar from Professional Fellow from Pakistan, Public Health, Zambia, MSc Entomology, Imperial College London) Commonwealth Medical Trust) has been appointed has been appointed Lecturer in Entomology at the Director-Coordinator of the Bureau of Emigration at University of Zambia. the Ministry of Labour and Manpower, Government of Pakistan. Dr Dinesh C Rai (2009 Commonwealth Academic Fellow from India, Dairy Professor Manjappa D Hosamane (1997 Food Technology, Commonwealth Academic Fellow from India, University of Reading) has Econometrics, University of Essex) has been been appointed Professor appointed Vice-Chancellor of Vijayanagar Sri of Dairy Technology in Krishnadevaraya University, India. the Department of Nicholas Ozor, former Commonwealth Split-site Animal Husbandry and Scholar from Nigeria Jessica Murray (2004 Commonwealth Scholar from Dairying at the Institute of South Africa, DPhil Agricultural Sciences, Gender Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Dinesh Rai, former Dr Nicholas Ozor (2005 Commonwealth Split-site University of York) India. Dinesh was Commonwealth Scholar from Nigeria, PhD Agricultural Extension, has been formerly a Reader at the Academic Fellow from University of Nigeria and University of Reading) co- appointed Senior same university. India authored the chapter on sub-Saharan Africa in the UNESCO Science Report 2010, and also co- Jessica Murray, All career information sent in by alumni will be authored a chapter in a US award-winning book, former recorded on our database and updated in the CSC titled Nanotechnology and Microelectronics: Commonwealth online Directory annually – email us at Global Diffusion, Economics and Policy (IGI Global Scholar from [email protected] Publishing, 2010). South Africa

July 2011 11 ALUMNI PROFILE Three of our Australian alumni share their achievements, and how their Commonwealth Scholarships helped them in their successful careers.

Professor Alexandra Walsham (1990 As an academic who understands the importance of his constituency, more than one in five people Commonwealth Scholar, PhD History, University of the interrelationship between different periods, speak a language other than English at home. Josh Cambridge) recently became the first woman to Alexandra values the potential of scholarships to create believes passionately in equality of opportunity for hold the Chair of Modern History at the University new, tangible academic linkages. ‘The opportunity to all Australians, and in the importance of building of Cambridge. transform those virtual exchanges into face-to-face strong, cohesive communities to shape society. encounters through international scholarship schemes Alexandra Walsham, cannot be underestimated. Students who are fortunate ‘I have a deep interest in public policy – economic former Commonwealth enough to be the recipients of these awards benefit and foreign policy in particular – and believe Scholar and Chair of immeasurably from them and contribute in their own Australia faces many significant challenges going Modern History at the individual ways to those cultures in return.’ forward. I want to play my part in helping my University of Cambridge country and my local community respond to these Josh Frydenberg (1996 Commonwealth Scholar, challenges.’ MPhil International Relations, University of Justice Anthe Philippides (1984 Commonwealth Oxford) was elected as Scholar, LLM, University of Cambridge) was Liberal MP for appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kooyong, Australia, in Queensland in 2000. She has previously served as Alexandra’s research on the religious and cultural 2010. President of the Land Appeal Court of history of early modern Britain brought her to the Queensland, and as a Judge and President of the UK for her PhD in 1990 – before the internet Josh studied Law and Queensland Mental Health Court. made early modern texts readily available Economics at Monash internationally. Her Commonwealth Scholarship University, before his Anthe recalls that her Commonwealth transformed her life, helping establish her later Commonwealth Scholarship gave her a unique opportunity to career, providing access to manuscripts, and Scholarship enabled Josh Frydenberg, former study under the guidance of celebrated legal forging important relationships with fellow him to study at Commonwealth Scholar academics, such as Professor David Williams, students and lecturers. the University of and Member of the who went on to become the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford. ‘The scholarship Australian Parliament the University of Cambridge. Following a lectureship at the University of Exeter provided me with the in 1996, Alexandra was promoted to Chair of intellectual rigour of the MPhil and the experience of Returning to Australia after her studies, Anthe History and elected as a Fellow of the British studying overseas and the international perspective practiced as a barrister in Queensland, where she Academy in 2009, returning to Cambridge in 2010. gained as a result.’ specialised in maritime law, an area in which she She says ‘Teaching for me is a vital part of my first became interested at Cambridge. She went on vocation and I only hope I can pass on some of the After his studies, Josh practiced as a barrister, and to become President of the Maritime Law passion that others conveyed to me at the same subsequently became Senior Adviser to the Australian Association of Australia and New Zealand, and was critical juncture in my own intellectual journey’. Foreign Minister and then the Prime Minister, John appointed to an extensive range of state and Howard. ‘These were exceptionally challenging roles national maritime legal and industry bodies, While Alexandra believes that her PhD studies but also hugely rewarding. My experience provided a including the Port of Brisbane Corporation and the were her biggest challenge, her recent book, The window into the role of an MP and the difference they Council of the National Maritime Museum in Reformation of the Landscape: Religion, Identity can make to our community.’ Afterwards, Josh was Sydney. and Memory in Early Modern Britain (Oxford appointed Director of Global Banking at Deutsche University Press, 2011) was also a demanding Bank, and completed a Master of Public Anthe’s time at Cambridge was a formative project. Her research for the book ranged from the Administration degree at Harvard University, USA. experience in her journey from student to judge, medieval period to the 18th and 19th centuries. ‘Its and she acknowledges the important role theme is large and expansive. It has necessitated Josh’s family history has given him an insight into played by the CSC ‘in encouraging an exploration of many scattered and difficult the migrant experience in Australia; his Commonwealth students to undertake documents and texts, and required me to read grandparents came to Australia in the 1930s, but his postgraduate study in England and in fostering them creatively and often against the grain.’ great-grandparents perished in the Holocaust. In enduring international ties’.

12 Commonwealth Scholarships News ENTREPRENEURSHIP, NEW MEDIA AND BUSINESS An insight into the work of Asheesh Advani (1994 Commonwealth Scholar, DPhil Management Studies, University of Oxford), who founded his own peer-to-peer lending company, pioneering a new form of financial service in the US market.

Asheesh Advani grew up accustomed to new online peer-to-peer loan administration company Asheesh’s venture was recognised by the media, and challenges. Born in Mumbai, India, where his family offering information and services (such as loan he was profiled as an innovator, with coverage in had emigrated to from the province of Sindh after documentation, electronic billing, payment Business Week and the Wall Street Journal. the formation of Pakistan and India in 1947, Asheesh processing, tax and legal filings) for private and his family moved to Toronto, Canada, when he transactions. He named the company CircleLending, Greater investment would enable the company’s was six years old. He has happy childhood because it would target friends, family members and continued growth, and CircleLending was acquired memories, and describes his upbringing as ‘a typical business associates within a borrower’s social circle. by the Virgin Group in 2007, with the proviso that immigrant experience’. His father had transferred Asheesh stay on as CEO of the newly-formed Virgin jobs, and attended night school as well. The family In July 2001, Asheesh launched his new company Money USA. Asheesh was pleased with the moved several times, eventually from an apartment with one employee, some shared office space in transaction, but understood the challenge that faced to a bigger house. Asheesh recalls that the message Boston, $30,000 in seed capital from his own family him. ‘Virgin Money already existed in three other he received was clear: ‘hard work pays off’. and friends, and $350,000 from early investors. In countries – Britain, South Africa, and Australia. We 2002, CircleLending developed and refined were now part of a global enterprise and our little Asheesh attended the Wharton School of the prototype products and pricing schedules, company had the rights to use the brand for a broad University of Pennsylvania in the US, graduating with conducted mostly word-of-mouth marketing, and range of financial services in the United States. We a degree in Economics and Finance. He combined generated approximately $2 million in loan volume. knew then that Virgin would be expanding and his university studies with a diverse adding product categories. It was an range of working opportunities – at a awesome responsibility. We felt like Canadian investment bank, at a stewards of the brand, rather than fashion magazine in New York, at a founders.’ policy think tank in Washington, DC, and spending a semester in India with Asheesh found that his Despite an economic downturn in a fellow student working on a 2008, the company’s revenues feasibility study for a US investment Commonwealth Scholarship increased substantially, products were bank on an Indian joint venture. rebranded, and new product lines broadened his academic interests. introduced via the acquisition of the Asheesh’s interest was in the assets of a mortgage lending company. commercialisation of public sector However, in mid-2009, a number of organisations, and he saw the UK as a factors converged to spur Asheesh’s leader in this field. He found that his decision to leave Virgin. A restructuring Commonwealth Scholarship broadened his But the firm was looking to grow and needed funds of the Virgin Group was taking place with changes in academic interests. Asheesh chose to concentrate for marketing and distribution, and Asheesh decided leadership and strategic direction. his thesis on privatisation, specifically in the airport to initiate a round of angel funding and eventually industry, as it was among the first type of public raised venture capital financing. The parting was amicable, and leaving Virgin Money monopoly to undergo commercialisation, also offered Asheesh the chance to tackle new foreshadowing what would happen to schools, CircleLending was attracting great interest, challenges, an opportunity he relished. Asheesh hospitals, and other public services. revamping product lines and implementing a took on a role as a senior executive at Thomson comprehensive marketing plan including search Reuters, to help the company expand into new Following his DPhil, Asheesh worked at the World engines, partnerships with financial intermediaries, markets in financial services and social media. In Bank, and at a management consultancy firm. He publications, distribution partnerships, and public 2010, Asheesh and his family spent several months also followed up his interest in social lending, and relations campaigns. The company’s success in Bangalore, where he was able to introduce his six- spent six months exploring its commercialisation continued. Business grew consistently by 25 per cent year-old twin sons to Indian culture. He jokes that potential in the US. He concluded that it was a large per quarter from 2003 to 2007, generating over ‘the irony of bringing my sons to India at the same market with little competition and high gross margin $200 million in loans. The social lending category it age that I left India has not escaped me’. Now back potential and benefited from emerging consumer had pioneered had grown to over 20 companies in home in Boston, Asheesh serves as an advisor and web trends such as peer-to-peer connectivity and over 10 countries, and CircleLending accounted for supporter for various entrepreneurial companies, social networks. He developed a business plan for an over half of global market volume. The impact of universities, and public institutions.

July 2011 13 OUR IMPACT Rachel Day previews two upcoming reports, the first examining the contribution of Commonwealth Scholarships to the higher education sector’s influence on development, and the second looking at the impact of our alumni on the support of democratic principles and practices in the Commonwealth.

Tertiary education institutions have a critical role in To some extent, the report reiterates previous Key findings of the report include: supporting knowledge-driven economic growth evaluation findings – for example, that our • The CSC is well placed to have an impact on strategies and the construction of democratic, scholarships and fellowships enable individuals to higher education and to work in partnership socially cohesive societies – Constructing acquire skills and knowledge. Equally important is with overseas higher education institutions. Knowledge Societies: New Challenges for Tertiary the ability to pass on this expertise: 96 per cent of Alongside other programmes, it has offered over Education (World Bank, 2002) alumni survey respondents working in HE reported 4,100 specifically targeted scholarships and using the skills gained on award in their workplaces. fellowships to academic staff and overseas PhD The role of higher education institutions and their students nominated by over 340 institutions, staff in contributing to socioeconomic development In addition, the report found that concerns over mostly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. has received greater attention in recent years – a widespread brain drain from academia in • Awards enable individuals to acquire skills and shift which recognises the importance of higher developing Commonwealth countries are not knowledge and to pass them on. 99 per cent of education in a range of areas vital for development, justified in this instance, with 95 per cent of alumni survey respondents working in HE from research and development and innovation to respondents working in HE returning to their home reported gaining knowledge in their area of the provision of high-quality training for regions – 94 per cent to their home countries. expertise, and 96 per cent reported using the professionals. The CSC has long been aware of this Furthermore, the benefits arguably extend to skills and knowledge gained on award in their potential and, in its fifth evaluation report, it seeks to institutions, as seen in academic staff members’ workplaces. identify the impact of its awards and its alumni on reported career advancements and their ability to • Awards contribute to the career development of both the HE sector and beyond. introduce new practices and innovations in their HE professionals. 87 per cent of respondents workplace. working in HE who had completed their studies This report forms part of the third phase of our at least 12 months before the survey reported evaluation programme; building on the 2008 alumni Strengthening national higher education sectors also that their award had helped them make survey, it looks at those who have held has a knock-on effect on development, and advancements in their careers. Commonwealth Scholarships for academic staff or respondents reported a variety of activities in this • International scholarships and fellowships do Academic Fellowships and the two-thirds of alumni vein, from the introduction of new curricula and not necessarily lead to brain drain from survey respondents who reported working in courses at their institutions to the promotion of developing countries. 94 per cent of education. The report then moves on to focus on the gender equality or poverty reduction. Overall, 92 per respondents from developing countries working impact at an institutional level, interviewing alumni cent of those respondents working in HE reported in HE reported working or living in their home based at three pivotal Commonwealth institutions: having an impact in at least one of 12 key countries, rising to 95 per cent if those in their Makerere University in Uganda, the University of development priority areas, including environmental home regions are included. Dhaka in Bangladesh, and the University of the West protection, poverty reduction, governance, and • Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Indies in the Caribbean. agriculture, to name just four. are linked to the introduction of new practices

Dr Liang Lin Seow (third from right, with undergraduate dental students) held a Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship at the University of Manchester, enabling her to undertake research in the UK for 12 months as part of her University of Malaya PhD in Dental Sciences. In 2008, she joined the International Medical University in Malaysia as an Associate Professor, and has been involved in the establishment of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in dental sciences.

‘Armed with the expertise, knowledge and experience gained through my scholarship, I have conducted several research programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since completing my PhD. The students have won several awards at both national and international levels. I joined the International Medical University just as it started to offer a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree course. As part of the pioneer batch of academics, I have been tasked with drafting and implementing a unique dental degree programme, whereby the students will be transferred to various partner dental schools to complete the degree. The university has the vision of setting up a health care centre including a comprehensive dental care centre, in which I am involved. At present, this type of dental care centre is lacking in Malaysia.’

14 Commonwealth Scholarships News CSC DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP included, as they all have a role to play in good good governance and stability, both intricately PRIORITIES governance. Bearing this in mind, as well as the connected with the sustainability of democratic • Health challenge of identifying impact when outcomes and principles. • Agricultural/Rural Productivity benefits are often intangible, our findings were • Quantity and Quality of Education nevertheless positive. Both reports – Assessing the impact on higher • Governance education and development and Assessing the • International Relations As with other reports published as part of the third impact on building and sustaining Commonwealth • Poverty Reduction phase of our evaluation programme, the context of principles on democracy – are due to be published • Social Inequalities and Human Rights CSC support in this area is explained first, and in August 2011. • Physical Infrastructure followed by an examination of responses from • Environment Protection alumni who report an impact in this field. Initial • Conflict Resolution/Humanitarian Assistance findings from analysis of the alumni survey Professor Mary Jane Mossman was a 1970 • Scientific and Research Applications responses are positive, with the majority reporting Commonwealth Scholar, and completed her LLM • Job Creation having gained skills and attributing their ability to at the London School of Economics and Political introduce new practices at work to their awards. Science. She is currently a Professor of Law at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in and innovations in Commonwealth higher The report then concentrates on reported impact in Canada. education institutions. 90 per cent of the four key areas. Overall, 1,035 of the 2,226 respondents working in HE reported that they respondents to the alumni survey reported an ‘I am regularly involved pro bono with the had been able to introduce new practices and impact in at least one of these areas, and many Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund in innovations in their workplaces as a result of reported impact in more than one. In particular: Canada regarding women’s equality and Charter their awards. • 62 per cent (642) of the 1,035 respondents rights, as well as with the Canadian Bar Association reported an impact in the field of governance regarding access to justice and legal aid services in The Commonwealth places great emphasis on • 52 per cent (536) reported an impact in the field Canada. I am also the Chair of the Administrative democracy, democratic institutions, and good of international relations Committee of the Canadian Automobile Workers governance, as does the UK’s Department for • 58 per cent (596) reported an impact in the field (CAW) Legal Services Plan, which provides free International Development (DFID), our principal of social inequalities and human rights legal services to employees of General Motors, funding body, which quotes strong governance, • 41 per cent (422) reported an impact in the field Ford, and Chrysler. Moreover, I am a member of conflict prevention, and social equality in the field of of conflict resolution and humanitarian the Friends of Community Legal Clinics in Ontario, gender as being key components of development. assistance a community-based system of legal aid clinics As such, we have sought to identify the contribution providing law services.’ of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships to Individual case studies, based on additional issues surrounding democratic principles and good information provided by various respondents, are governance in our sixth report. also included, as are detailed interviews with four alumni from across the Commonwealth. This further CSC EVALUATION AND MONITORING In this report, we explore the activity and impact investigation strengthens earlier findings and shows PROGRAMME reported by alumni in four key development priority that scholarships and fellowships, through the work The CSC has undertaken monitoring work areas. In fact, several, if not all, of the other and dedication of the individuals who hold them, through annual reports from award holders and development priority areas could also have been can have a pivotal influence on development and on supervisors, anonymous questionnaires, and analyses of completion rates for many years. In addition to this, in 2008 we launched an in-depth Hilary Limo was awarded a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in Public Health and Environment at three-phase evaluation programme, which aims the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (North East) in 2007. He works as a Public Health Officer to identify and quantify the impact of our awards at the Kenyan Ministry of Health, where he coordinates a weekly regional surveillance of communicable on individual scholars, on institutions, and on a diseases. His skills were called upon two weeks after his return to Kenya, during the post-election violence wider scale on communities and societies. To at the end of 2007. date, work has included tracing alumni and updating records, analysis of key issues such as ‘[The] Ministry of Health constituted a team to coordinate health and nutrition issues in internally displaced gender balance, a large-scale alumni survey, and people (IDP) camps and I was nominated to be part of the team. With fresh ideas from the Tyne and Wear written reports detailing the impact of alumni in Emergency Planning Unit, I led the team in establishing various sub-committees to deal with shelter, specific regions and in specific sectors. For more sanitation and hygiene, safe water, and psychosocial support. The IDPs are still in the camps, but at least information, visit http://bit.ly/cscuk-evaluation they are able to access their basic rights while we plan to reconcile the communities.’ or contact [email protected]

July 2011 15 NETWORKS AND EVENTS

NEW ECONOMICS AND FINANCE ‘My hope is that the PROFESSIONAL NETWORK network will highlight The CSC is launching a new Professional Network in some of the recent news Economics and Finance in July 2011. Registration for and events spanning the network is now open on LinkedIn – award economics and finance, as holders and alumni can join by visiting the well as showcasing some Commonwealth Scholarships group (see box below). of the latest thinking and Daniela De Bono, 2007 Commonwealth Scholar from stimulating (friendly!) Malta, giving a presentation at the Commonwealth, Phil Lewis has been appointed as coordinator of the debate. I welcome your Human Rights and Democracy conference new Economics and Finance Professional Network. views on the network’s He has a BSc in Economics and an MA in development, so please International Political Economy, and recently became visit LinkedIn and post your comments!’ East Anglia) is another alumnus who has followed Project Manager of the Climate and Development a career in this field. ‘The distinct advantage of a Knowledge Network (CDKN) at the Overseas The new network will cater for our alumni with Commonwealth Scholarship is that it places you in Development Institute (ODI), after working at DFID successful business or financial careers, as well as top learning institutions. After my PhD, I advanced for two years. During his time at DFID, his role others working in related fields. Milton Lawrence rapidly from an ordinary Inspector of Schools to included providing analysis and research into the (1994 Commonwealth Scholar from Dominica, Director of Planning, then Permanent Secretary market failures and barriers that prevent private MBA, Cranfield University) is now Chairman of the and, after the Civil Service, I headed one of the sector investment in low carbon infrastructure Caribbean Financial Services Corporation, and is best management training institutes in my country. investments, as well as managing the UK’s looking forward to the new network: ‘My I am now an independent consultant. The CSC has contribution to a $6.2bn climate change initiative. Commonwealth Scholarship transformed my made a huge contribution to human resource professional life by allowing me to obtain a valuable development in the developing world.’ Phil says ‘I’m excited about the new professional set of skills that I am now able to utilise in support of network that the CSC is setting up, as I believe that a number of Caribbean banks, particularly during COMMONWEALTH, HUMAN RIGHTS AND economics and finance issues have relevance far this global financial crisis’. DEMOCRACY beyond the subject itself, with implications for all of The ‘Commonwealth, Human Rights and the subjects that the other professional networks Lawrence Musonda (1996 Commonwealth Scholar Democracy’ conference was held on 11-13 March cover. from Zambia, PhD Teacher Education, University of 2011 at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. It featured a packed agenda, with over 60 delegates attending CSC PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS Economics and Finance – have groups on LinkedIn, and 11 speakers. The CSC has nine Professional Networks, open to enabling both network members and the CSC to both current Scholars and Fellows and alumni, in a post discussion and news topics, as well as share The opening keynote speech was given by range of professional subject areas: professional experiences and best practice. Professor Tim Unwin, Chair of the CSC, and • Agriculture and Rural Development centred on the notion and existence of human • Economics and Finance - NEW Alumni who wish to join these Networks rights. The speech set the tone for a vibrant and • Education on LinkedIn will need to have a profile on interactive weekend, during which six current • Environment the site, and then join the Commonwealth Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows gave • Faiths and Civil Society Scholarships parent group at presentations on topics covering human rights in • Gender http://linkd.in/commonwealthscholarships You relation to migration and community • Governance can then sign up to any of the four Professional empowerment, building democracies in • Legal Network groups, as these are subgroups. developing and struggling economies, and ideas of • Public Health governance at both corporate and micro levels. • Science and Technology The Commonwealth Scholarships group and Professional Network groups are closed groups, and In addition, Dr Leo Zeilig, Assistant Director of the We have been working to improve the interactivity only current and former Commonwealth Scholars Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (CPSU) of our Professional Networks, and the Agriculture and Fellows are allowed to join. If you have any highlighted issues surrounding democracy transition and Rural Development, Governance, and Legal queries, please email [email protected] in sub-Saharan Africa, and Onyekachi Wambu, from Networks – as well as the new network in the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), talked about democracy in the Nigerian context. All

16 Commonwealth Scholarships News A group discussion during the interactive session at the Commonwealth, Human Rights and Democracy conference

have any queries in the meantime, email [email protected]

KENYA CHAPTER The launch of the Kenya chapter took place on 21 February 2011 in Nairobi, with more than 50 alumni and current Distance Learning Scholars attending. Dr Maurice Okoth (2009 Commonwealth Academic Fellow, Physical Chemistry, University of Strathclyde), a Senior Lecturer at Moi University, was elected as talks were well received and followed by lively year’s theme of ‘Women as agents of change’, Chapter Coordinator – he first proposed the idea of question and answer sessions. included Annie Lennox, Kamalesh Sharma establishing a chapter in October 2010. (Secretary-General of the Commonwealth), The The interactive session in the evening of the second day Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar MP (Prime The meeting discussed the chapter formation and was a great success. Scholars and Fellows divided up by Minister of Trinidad and Tobago), and Carol Ann key issues, including developing the chapter logo region into three groups, and discussed and voted on Duffy CBE (Poet Laureate of the UK). and constitution; hosting conferences and the values they would use to rebuild the workshops; participating in the activities of affiliate Commonwealth, should they ever have to. It was an Her Majesty spoke of the current achievements – and organisations such as the British Council, DFID and exercise designed to expose the intricacies, as well as the the future potential – of women across the the British High Commission; how members can be highs and lows, of consensus building and democracy. Commonwealth as agents of change. She also goodwill ambassadors or advocates for the CSC; and encouraged those present to ‘give thought to the member recruitment and networking. Perhaps the highlight for delegates came on the Sunday practical ways in which we, as individuals or as morning as, having passed through security checks and groups, can provide support to girls and women – so Guests representing organisations that work with the armed with chapel passes, they walked through the rain that everyone can have a chance of a fuller and more CSC, such as the British Council and the Royal to the Royal Chapel at Windsor Castle. Attendees rewarding life, wherever they happen to be born’. Commonwealth Society, also attended. In his participated in a Lent service in the presence of HM The keynote address, as chief guest of the inaugural Queen, and a few were even introduced to Her Majesty, meeting, Dr John Kirkland (Executive Secretary of who then stopped briefly to chat with them. Alumni events the CSC) welcomed the formation of the chapter, and urged the new officials to help it influence The weekend was well received and enjoyed by all The CSC has alumni chapters in Australia, Canada, national policy formulation and decision-making. those present. A full report of the conference is Kenya, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago. Contact available on our website at http://bit.ly/cscuk-events information for the chapters can be found on our All Kenyan former Commonwealth Scholars and website at http://bit.ly/cscuk-alumni Fellows are invited to join the new chapter – details COMMONWEALTH DAY OBSERVANCE are available at http://bit.ly/cscuk-alumni A group of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows AUSTRALIA CHAPTER was invited to attend the Commonwealth Day Events are being planned in September and MAURITIUS CHAPTER Observance on 14 March 2010 at Westminster October 2011, when members of the CSC will be The current President of the chapter is Souda Abbey, in the presence of HM The Queen. holding events in various Australian cities. We will Rosunee (1992 Commonwealth Scholar, MSc Textile Speakers at the service, which highlighted this contact Australian alumni nearer to the time; if you Dyeing and Finishing, University of Leeds, 1999 Commonwealth Scholar, PhD Textile Technology, University of Manchester), and the Vice President is REGIONAL NETWORK EVENTS Roshan Ramessur (1985 Commonwealth Scholar, BSc The South East Regional Network organised a meet and greet in March 2011. The event was attended by Marine Chemistry, Bangor University). AGMs are held Dr John Kirkland, Executive Secretary of the CSC. in April, and dinners are held every December. The The North East Regional Network held its introductory meeting in January 2010, as well as an event in chapter has held joint meetings with Chevening Leeds in February 2011. Scholars also. The chapter plans to initiate a project on climate change, possibly in conjunction with a school. Photos of all these events are available on our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/cscuk

July 2011 17 CSFP NEWS The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which provides the secretariat for the CSC, was recently commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat to carry out some research on the CSFP and its future. John Kirkland reports.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Overall, the analysis indicates that Commonwealth CSFP ENDOWMENT FUND: Plan (CSFP) has an illustrious 50-year history. The Scholarships continue to be a great success. It also DONOR UPDATE question now is: how should it seek to build on suggests, however, that greater clarity is needed in We would like to thank all those who have these achievements? the application process, more attention could be donated to the fund. Recent donors are listed paid to accessibility, and the scheme is still not below – a full list is available at To help answer this question, the Commonwealth fulfilling its huge potential to garner support for www.csfp-online.org/donors_list.html Secretariat commissioned the Association of the wider Commonwealth and its full range of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) to investigate Sheung Wai Tam Simon Kam Kee Wong activities and programmes. what key stakeholders think about Commonwealth Ajit Singh Upali S Kuruppu Scholarships, what they regard as the main These issues are not easily addressed by national Maren Daniel Mallo Stephen Heung Sang strengths and weaknesses of the CSFP, and what governments alone. Selection, for example, is a steps can be taken to make its operation even Gary C Lee Wong two-stage process, involving both home and host more relevant to modern society. J Basson L George countries. If criteria are unclear, this could be at Oliver Okey Oji Enuoh Laxmikant Joshi either stage, or both. There also needs to be a Four stakeholder groups were identified: common understanding between the national governments (without whose involvement and nominating agencies themselves – not an easy financial support, there would be no Plan), current than those disagreeing – and it should also be task, given that they have no regular forum in and former Scholars and Fellows (the best noted that such a highly competitive and selective which to discuss their activities and objectives. demonstration of the value and impact of the scheme may inevitably not always be seen as scheme), and applicants (who are contactable accessible. The main recommendation of the report, thanks to new electronic application methods, therefore, is that the CSFP needs to develop a even though most of them will be unsuccessful There were also divided views on future policy. more central leadership structure, without losing and have no further contact with the CSFP). The When asked whether more emphasis should be its flexibility or negating the ability of national ACU surveyed all four of these groups – almost placed on mid-career support, even if this means governments to determine their own 2,000 individuals took part. fewer conventional scholarships are made contributions. Proposals include a small available, 42 per cent agreed. Opinion was again coordination function within the Commonwealth The findings were, in general, uniformly positive divided on the issues of whether more attention Secretariat, a meeting of national representatives across all groups. When asked to what extent should be given to new learning methods, such as to discuss future policy, and the establishment of certain words or phrases are associated with the distance learning (28 per cent agreed), and an international CSFP management committee to CSFP, 82 per cent strongly agreed that the Plan is whether awards should be more concentrated on oversee activity between the triennial Conferences ‘academic’, 76 per cent ‘prestigious’, 69 per cent specific subject areas (34 per cent agreed). 32 per of Commonwealth Education Ministers. ‘distinctive’, and 63 per cent ‘relevant to the needs cent agreed that more support should be given to of their home country’. 95 per cent of respondents Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows after their The new committee would have much to discuss. also agreed that the scholarships and fellowships awards, even if this meant fewer awards being Ideas emerging from the review include greater are an effective tool for international development. available. There was strong support for the involvement of individual universities in offering proposition that ‘Commonwealth Scholarships Commonwealth Scholarships, a review of the ‘two- While such support is highly encouraging, other should be hosted by low and middle income stage’ system of nominating and selecting findings suggest that, within this overwhelmingly countries’ – a situation which the new CSFP candidates (whilst maintaining the principle of positive picture, some areas may merit further endowment fund is starting to address. partnership between home and host countries), attention. and the development of a greater corporate When asked about the relationship between the presence for the CSFP. When asked whether the CSFP is ‘accessible’, only CSFP and the wider Commonwealth, there were 24 per cent strongly agreed, and only 67 per cent again mixed findings. 75 per cent supported the Those responsible for implementing the findings agreed to any extent. Agreement with the statement that the CSFP is ‘one of the best-known of the report will nonetheless inherit many more statement that ‘the selection criteria for activities of the Commonwealth’, and 80 per cent ‘pluses’ than ‘minuses’. The overwhelming Commonwealth Scholarships are clear’ was at 50 agreed that the CSFP is ‘associated with wider conclusion of the analysis is that Commonwealth per cent, whilst 40 per cent agreed that ‘the Commonwealth values’. Yet 80 per cent felt that Scholarships are as well regarded and prestigious application procedures for Commonwealth ‘candidates and alumni would contribute more to as they have likely been at any time in their history. Scholarships are well known’. In each case, the Commonwealth activities if they had a greater Whatever changes take place in the coming years, proportion of those agreeing did remain higher awareness of them’. this reputation must be protected.

18 Commonwealth Scholarships News COUNTRY PROFILE – AUSTRALIA

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

NOMINATION PROCESS • Professor Malcolm Gillies (1978 academic study. It gave the opportunity for a life Australia’s participation in the CSFP is administered Commonwealth Scholar, MMus, King’s College experience that broadened personal development, by the Department of Education, Employment and London) was formerly Vice President of the bolstered confidence, and expanded my personal Workplace Relations (DEEWR). DEEWR has been Australian National University, then Vice- vision of a world view. It really is just a small and involved in advertising scholarships available to Chancellor of City University, UK. He is currently fragile planet after all. Without knowing it then, it Australians for study in the UK, fielding enquiries, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan provided a valuable extension to the life experience coordinating nominations from universities, and University, UK. I rely on now in the task of Parliamentary assessing applications for a recommended list of • Professor Germaine Greer (1964 representation of the needs and views of others’. nominations sent to the CSC. Commonwealth Scholar, PhD English, University of Cambridge, 1964 - 1967) is a writer, Peter Wilkins (1974 ALUMNI broadcaster, academic, and feminist Commonwealth Many of our Australian alumni have made commentator, whose first book, The Female Scholar, PhD Sound impressive contributions, both to their home country Eunuch, became an international bestseller. Vibration, University and internationally, in fields such as academia, the • Dr Mark Levick (1994 Commonwealth Scholar, of Southampton) is legal and political professions, scientific research, PhD Vaccine Development, University of Deputy Ombudsman and in the private sector. Cambridge) is Vice President and Head, for Western Australia. Infectious Disease Clinical Science Unit at He believes that • Professor Elizabeth Blackburn (1973 Novartis. ‘completing an MSc Commonwealth Scholar, PhD Molecular • Dame Bridget Ogilvie (1960 Commonwealth and PhD and the Biology, University of Cambridge) is a Professor Scholar, PhD Immunology of Parasites, career openings these at the University of California, San Francisco, and University of Cambridge) is a scientist, former provided were the was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, and obvious benefits of Peter Wilkins, former or Physiology. former Director of the Wellcome Trust. my Commonwealth Commonwealth Scholar • Dr Christian Behrenbruch (1998 Scholarship but, and Deputy Ombudsman Commonwealth Scholar, DPhil Electrical John Forrest (1978 thanks both to the for Western Australia Engineering, University of Oxford) is an expert in Commonwealth CSC induction medical imaging, CEO of several medical start- Scholar, MSc Fluid programme and ups, and currently Professor of Medical and Mechanics, University student life at the University of Southampton, I Molecular Pharmacology at the University of of Aberdeen) is gained innumerable insights into other cultures and California, Los Angeles, USA. Member of the ways of thinking. This has served me well • The Honourable Sir Ross Cranston (1973 Australian Parliament throughout my career; as one small example, it has Commonwealth Scholar, DPhil Law, University for Mallee. He says enabled me in my current role to lead of Oxford) was formerly Solicitor General for that ‘participation in improvements to the accessibility and quality of our England and Wales, and is now a High Court the Commonwealth services to overseas students which have been judge. Scholarship recognised nationally. I, along with so many other • Dr John Daley (1995 Commonwealth Scholar, programme all those Perth residents, will be proud that our city can play DPhil Law, University of Oxford) was formerly John Forrest, former years ago provided host to the many groups meeting under the auspices Managing Director of ANZ Bank’s online Commonwealth Scholar much more than just of CHOGM’. stockbroker, E*TRADE Australia. He is now CEO and Member of the the generous financial of the Grattan Institute, an independent Australian Parliament support to pursue an Justice Murray Tobias (1961 Commonwealth domestic public policy think tank. important arena of Scholar, BCL, University of Oxford) is a judge of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of New South ‘I am a medical doctor and Commonwealth Scholar from Perth, Western Australia. I am currently finishing Wales, Australia. ‘My two years at Exeter College, a DPhil in Clinical Medicine at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. My career goal is to pursue both Oxford were two of the most rewarding years of my research and clinical work. My Commonwealth Scholarship has enabled me to gain valuable overseas life, both from an educational as well as a social research experience at a prestigious university that has unique traditions. The scholarship also contributes perspective. The friends I made during that time financially towards the high cost of medical laboratory research and attending conferences, in addition to remain dear to me to this day. However, I would not covering overseas fees and living expenses. Furthermore, I have made important professional contacts have had the opportunity so afforded to me without across disciplines, including other Commonwealth Scholars.’ the support of my Commonwealth Scholarship, for Dr Suzanne English (2008 Commonwealth Scholar, DPhil Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford) which I am forever grateful.’

July 2011 19 The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC) is responsible for managing Britain’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

The CSC supports around 700 awards annually. Awards are funded by UKaid from the Department for International Development (for developing Commonwealth countries) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Scottish Government (for developed Commonwealth countries), in conjunction with UK universities. The CSC also nominates UK citizens for scholarships to study in other Commonwealth countries under the CSFP.

The CSC makes available seven types of award: · Scholarships for PhD research · Scholarships for Master’s study · Shared Scholarships with UK universities in support of Master’s programmes · Academic Fellowships for staff serving in developing country universities · Split-site Scholarships for PhD students to spend up to one year in the UK · Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals in developing countries · Distance Learning Scholarships for developing country students to study UK Master’s degree courses while living in their own countries

The CSC is a non-departmental public body in its own right, and members are appointed in line with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Commission’s secretariat is provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities; financial management and welfare support for scholars is provided by the British Council.

The CSFP is an international programme under which member governments offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries. The Plan was established at the first Commonwealth education conference in 1959 and is reviewed by ministers at their triennial meetings – the only scholarship scheme in the world to receive such high-level recognition. www.dfid.gov.uk/cscuk

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Commonwealth Scholarships News is published for information purposes only and no liability is accepted for its contents by the CSC or by any contributor to it. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the information contained therein was correct at the time of compilation, it should not be regarded as definitive and no responsibility is accepted for the inclusion or omission of any particular item. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the CSC. This magazine is printed using vegetable-based inks on Ecoplex paper, made from 100% post-consumer waste fibre to Blue Angel standard RAL UZ-14. It is chlorine free, uses no optical brighteners and has one of the lowest energy requirements and smallest carbon footprints of any coated paper.