Two researchers have secured a combined $1.4 million in co-funding from the Westpac Scholars Trust, empowering them to pursue groundbreaking studies that aim to shape Australia's future in green energy and digital sovereignty.
Dr. Eve Warburton from The Australian National University and Dr. Olga Boichak from The University of Sydney have been named 2025 Westpac Research Fellows, the Trust’s highest-value program. Each Fellow will receive their flexible funding over five years, co-funded by their host universities, alongside access to a bespoke leadership program and lifelong membership in the W100 Scholars Network.
The Fellowships 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.
Harnessing Green Energy for a Critical Future
Dr. Eve Warburton’s research delves into green energy transitions, focusing on the critical minerals, such as nickel and lithium, used in low-carbon technologies. Her work examines how new demand for these minerals is reshaping economies, politics, and foreign relations across the Asia-Pacific. The goal is to identify strategies for sharing the benefits of a critical mineral boom, while minimising the environmental and social risks.
“Critical minerals are vital for a greener future, but their extraction and trade come with significant challenges,” Dr. Warburton explained. “My research asks how Australia and its neighbours can collaborate to embrace a ‘critical future’ that ensures shared benefits and mitigates harm.”
Dr. Warburton’s passion for studying the Asia Pacific region began following the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, where she worked with a local university to help rebuild academic institutions and run training programs for researchers. “That experience taught me the value of cross-cultural collaboration, and I learned how important personal bonds are for strengthening institutional ties between Australia and its neighbours,” she said.
Strengthening Australia’s Digital Sovereignty
As global tensions rise, Dr. Olga Boichak is pioneering research into digital sovereignty and the resilience of Australia’s internet communication infrastructure. Her project investigates how secure, autonomous technologies can shield Australian networks from potential weaponisation during future military conflicts.
“Digital sovereignty is the foundation of national security,” said Dr. Boichak. “By investing in resilient infrastructures, Australia can prevent the misuse of its systems and safeguard its future.”
Dr. Boichak’s expertise stems from her work on Ukraine’s digital resistance during the Russian invasion. Her insights have been featured globally, including in an award-winning Vox documentary. “That moment emphasised how technology can facilitate resistance and empower civil society networks,” she reflected.
A Catalyst for Leadership and Innovation
In addition to funding, the Westpac Research Fellowship empowers fellows to grow as leaders, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and engage in the Research Fellow Impact Network to amplify their collective expertise and explore the role of research in a thriving global society.
The Westpac Scholars Trust awards $4.5 million annually across 100 scholarships, supporting university students, researchers, and social entrepreneurs to drive Australia’s progress. Since 2015, $47.6 million in cofunding has been awarded to 949 scholars to support next generation leaders.
Published 10 February 2025
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