$2 MILLION AWARDED TO POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS SOLVING CRITICAL NATIONAL CHALLENGES

From advancing artificial intelligence to creating sustainable materials, the 2025 Westpac Future Leaders Scholars are delivering bold solutions to urgent national issues.

Seventeen exceptional postgraduate students from nine Australian universities have been awarded Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships, valued at over $2 million by the Westpac Scholars Trust. The scholarships are the latest to be announced as part of the Trust’s commitment to award 100 new scholarships a year, forever, in the areas of innovation and technology, sustainability, strengthening ties with Asia, and social change.

“The calibre of this year’s scholars is outstanding. From exploring innovative ways to make everyday materials more eco-friendly to advancing cutting-edge medical technologies, these scholars are driving meaningful change for Australia,” said Amy Lyden, CEO of Westpac Scholars Trust.

Among the scholars named this year is Caitlyn Knight, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, who is exploring what defines success in alcohol and other drug treatment programs, from short-term progress to long-term outcomes.

Inspired by her own journey of mental health recovery, Caitlyn is passionate about reshaping how society measures and supports recovery, paving the way for more inclusive and effective care.

"Recovery is deeply personal and multi-dimensional, and yet so often it’s measured by narrow or one-size-fits-all indicators. My research aims to redefine these metrics so that we can provide more meaningful and compassionate support to people navigating recovery," said Caitlyn. "Through this work, I hope to challenge societal perceptions of mental health and inspire a shift towards greater empathy and inclusivity in how we define success.”

Kayvan Gharbi, who is undertaking his Masters by Research at the University of Melbourne, is applying deep learning to hyperspectral imaging of the retina to revolutionise disease diagnosis. His innovative approach has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility, paving the way for its application to other disease beyond the eye.

"Technology has the power to break barriers in medicine, bringing life-changing healthcare to people who need it most. My research focuses on not just diagnosing diseases accurately but also making these advancements widely accessible. If we can detect, treat and even prevent disease earlier, we can transform lives," said Kayvan. "I’m particularly excited about how hyperspectral imaging and deep learning could be adapted to address other critical health challenges.”

Another innovative scholar, Zachary Shinnick, a Master’s by Research candidate at the University of Adelaide, is breaking new ground in artificial intelligence by enhancing how machines understand and interact with three-dimensional spaces. His research has the potential to transform industries like infrastructure design and robotics, enabling AI to create smarter, more efficient structures.

"Artificial intelligence has incredible potential to improve how we design and interact with the spaces around us. My research explores ways to teach machines not just to ‘see’ the world but to truly understand it in three dimensions," said Zachary. "This work could lead to smarter cities, safer infrastructure, and more intuitive robotics, creating tangible benefits across multiple industries."

Addressing global sustainability challenges is Hannah Sheers, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, who is turning Tasmanian wood waste into eco-friendly materials. Her research focuses on creating renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products, with the potential to revolutionise adhesives and promote sustainability.

"Sustainability is no longer just a goal—it’s an urgent necessity. My work is about finding practical solutions that not only reduce waste but also replace environmentally harmful materials with renewable alternatives," said Hannah. "By developing bio-based materials from Tasmanian wood waste, I hope to demonstrate how we can align innovation with environmental management, creating a blueprint for more sustainable industries."

Beyond funding, the scholarship includes a nine-month leadership program designed to help scholars refine their strengths and build networks to amplify their impact.

“These scholarships empower the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities to challenge existing norms and make a lasting impact,” said Lyden.

Each year, the Westpac Scholars Trust awards 100 scholarships across five programs, investing over $4 million annually to empower outstanding individuals shaping Australia’s future. Since 2015, $47.6 million in co-funding has been awarded to 949 scholarships to support next generation leaders.

Congratulations to our Westpac 2025 Future Leaders Scholars:

Dr. Isabella Ludbrook