Woolf Fisher Scholars Announced

MEDIA RELEASE
01 November 2007

Woolf Fisher Scholars Announced

New Zealand students receive prestigious scholarships to
Cambridge and Oxford

Three of New Zealand’s top university graduates have been awarded the 2008 Woolf Fisher Scholarship for doctoral study at either Cambridge or Oxford University. The prestigious scholarships are among the most valuable awarded in New Zealand and are each worth up to $100,000 annually for three years of study, equating to a total contribution of $900,000 over three years.

Honours graduates Deidre Cleland and Reed Roberts from the University of Otago along with Joel Harrison from the University of Auckland have been given the opportunity to study at either Oxford or Cambridge University by the Woolf Fisher Trust, a New Zealand-based organisation that recognises and rewards excellence in education.

The scholars will each receive full payment of their University and College fees, an allowance of $27,000 a year, and an annual London-New Zealand return airfare.

Deidre will work towards a doctorate of philosophy at Cambridge, investigating charge transport materials for use in Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells. This research has applications in developing new and improved display technology and more energy-efficient lighting. She hopes to study with Professor Sir Richard Friend in the Optoelectronics group at the University of Cambridge.

Reed will be studying towards a PhD that will investigate the synthesis of biologically active compounds with the aim of developing drugs and new chemical methods for the treatment of diseases. He hopes to work with Professor Steven Ley in the department of synthetic chemistry at the University of Cambridge.

Joel will work towards a Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He is hoping to be supervised by Professor Christopher McCrudden, Professor of Human Rights at the Faculty of Law. His research will examine the impact of law upon religious doctrine, beliefs, and practices.

The Secretary of the Woolf Fisher Trust, Dr Nigel Evans, says the calibre of applicants for the Woolf Fisher Scholarships continues to be outstanding.

“The standard of the top graduate students in New Zealand is extremely high and we are delighted to make it possible for these three brilliant students to continue their studies at the highest level at the world’s great universities. Joel, from The University of Auckland, is the first law graduate to win a Woolf Fisher Scholarship, and Deidre and Reed are both chemistry graduates from the University of Otago who have competed strongly with each other throughout their university studies. It is a privilege for the trustees to interview such fine young men and women who will be future leaders in their fields,” he says.

While the scholars have first-class academic records, Dr Evans also highlighted the broader entry criteria for the Woolf Fisher Scholarships.

“Sir Woolf Fisher admired integrity, kindness, generosity, leadership and boldness of vision, along with exceptional zeal, keenness and capacity for work.”

This is the fifth year that the Woolf Fisher Scholarships have been awarded.

-ENDS-
About the Woolf Fisher Trust:

The late Sir Woolf Fisher (1912-1975) was one of New Zealand’s most successful industry leaders. He co-founded Fisher and Paykel and was the first chairman of New Zealand Steel.

He established the Woolf Fisher Trust in 1960 to advance scientific and general education in New Zealand through its prestigious fellowships and scholarships. Along with the Woolf Fisher Scholarships, the Trust also awards the Woolf Fisher Fellowships, which provide overseas study and travel for outstanding school principals and secondary teachers, and the Maurice Paykel Postdoctoral Fellowships in conjunction with the Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust.

Sir Woolf, who was knighted in 1964 for his contribution to New Zealand education and industry, is survived by Lady Joyce Fisher, herself a trustee for many years.

For more information, please visit the website at www.woolffishertrust.co.nz

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