Powering Australia’s Future Leaders

Westpac Scholars Trust is backing the next generation of national leaders with a $1.9 million investment in 16 outstanding postgraduate students named as its 2026 Westpac Future Leaders.

The Trust awards 100 scholarships each year to support individuals tackling Australia’s most complex challenges and help build a more resilient, future-ready nation.

 

The 2026 Westpac Future Leaders are undertaking postgraduate study and research across a range of disciplines spanning medical and health sciences, technology, urban planning, education and agriculture, with research addressing key issues like stroke recovery, dementia, data-driven food security and advanced drug delivery.

 

Westpac Scholars Trust CEO Amy Lyden said the 2026 cohort demonstrates the depth of leadership emerging across Australia’s universities.

 

“The Future Leaders program recognises that Australia’s future will be shaped by people who are comfortable with complexity, who can connect across disciplines, and who are motivated by the future of Australia,” Lyden said.

 

“This group brings together scientific excellence, lived experience and a strong sense of responsibility to the community. They are already thinking beyond their own fields to the role they can play in shaping a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Australia.”

 

The 2026 Westpac Future Leaders are studying at universities across the country, including The University of Melbourne, Australian National University, Monash University, The University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, The University of Tasmania, Adelaide University and The University of New South Wales.

 

2026 WESTPAC FUTURE LEADERS - AT A GLANCE

 

●      16 scholars selected nationwide

●      Fields spanning health, climate science, technology, education, urban planning and international development

●      Strong representation of women in STEM and health research

●      Focus on real-world impact, leadership potential and community contribution

●      For postgraduate study, overseas experience, and leadership

●      Up to $120,000 per recipient

●      $1.9m awarded in 2026

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholars

 

Jacob Braid – University of Melbourne, Master of Urban Planning
Jacob is exploring how urban design and public infrastructure can foster belonging, learning and equity. His work is informed by grassroots community engagement and a belief that well-designed spaces strengthen social connection.

 

Neve Clippingdale – University of Tasmania, PhD (Environmental Sciences)
Neve is developing new climate proxies to better understand past and future temperature changes in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. She is deeply committed to community, collaboration and stepping outside her comfort zone to create shared value.

 

Max Coten – University of Western Australia, PhD (Earth Sciences)
Max is using machine learning to improve predictions of marine heatwaves and coastal ocean dynamics. His work supports better climate risk forecasting for Australia’s marine environments and coastal communities.

 

Katja Curtin – Australian National University, PhD (Earth Sciences)
Katja is researching climate processes in the Southern Ocean to improve projections of sea-level rise and carbon storage. She is also a passionate science communicator, committed to making complex climate science accessible and inclusive.

 

Vivien Dao – Monash University, Master of Counselling
Vivien is focused on cross-cultural mental health, identity and belonging. An Australian-born Vietnamese woman, she brings lived experience to her work and has also led initiatives to elevate women’s voices in the cybersecurity and intelligence sectors.

 

Zoe Dowling – University of Melbourne, Master of Public Health
Zoe is training to become a public health physician focused on equity, trauma-informed care and the social determinants of health. Her work centres on building trust with vulnerable patients and improving healthcare responses to issues such as family and domestic violence.

 

Sajit Gopal Gurubacharya – University of Sydney, Master of Commerce
Sajit is focused on inclusion, leadership and entrepreneurship. He founded a large student association to build connections in under-engaged faculties and now applies that same mindset to creating inclusive business and community solutions.

 

Chantelle Jackson – University of Queensland, PhD (Medical & Health Sciences)
Chantelle is researching brain stimulation therapies to improve recovery after stroke. A former elite swimmer, she brings discipline, resilience and long-term commitment to advancing neurological health outcomes.

 

Abidev Kuhasri – UNSW, Master of Health Data Science
Abi is applying health data science to develop digital solutions for complex healthcare challenges. With a background in medicine and technology, his work focuses on improving healthcare delivery through responsible, people‑centred use of data.

 

Elyna Lin – University of Sydney, PhD (Technology)
Elyna is developing computational models to better understand and predict dementia progression. Her work aims to improve diagnosis and personalised care for Australia’s ageing population, informed by her experience working in aged care during the pandemic.

 

Emmet Maher – UNSW, PhD (Mathematical Sciences)
Emmet is examining how climate change will affect the health of older Australians, with a focus on inequality, system resilience and policy reform. His work bridges data science, public health and social equity to inform better long-term planning.

 

Zara Mammone – Monash University, PhD (Chemical Sciences)
Zara is researching biocompatible drug delivery systems using nanoparticle technology. Inspired by her own health journey, she is committed to combining advanced science with compassion, advocacy and community-building.

 

Jera Peters – Monash University, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Jera is developing stem-cell-based models to improve regenerative therapies and disease modelling. With experience in biotech, she is committed to translating research into real-world medical impact and building supportive research cultures.

 

Hayley Tobin – Australian National University, Master of International Law and Diplomacy
Hayley is pursuing a career in international development and diplomacy, with a strong focus on gender equality in the Pacific. She has worked alongside grassroots women’s organisations in Fiji, helping secure funding and amplify local leadership.

 

Jessica Woolman – Adelaide University, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Jess is researching how environmental pollutants affect reproductive health in humans and Australian wildlife. Her work connects environmental sustainability, women’s health and science-led policy advocacy.

 

John Yaxley – University of Western Australia, Master of Research (Agricultural Science)
John is developing data-driven tools to help subsistence farmers improve nutrition and food security. His research focuses on practical, locally led solutions that strengthen community resilience.

 

Learn more about the 2026 Future Leaders Scholars at scholars.westpac.com.au/scholars/our-scholars