Three PhD scholarships funded by the State Government, through the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), have been awarded to talented professionals working to deliver innovative research relevant to the State’s mining industry.
Elizabeth Wall has been awarded the Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship, named in honour of pioneering Western Australian mining educator Professor Odwyn Jones AO.
Devika Bhatia has been awarded the MRIWA PhD Scholarship for Women.
Due to the exceptional quality of this year’s candidates, MRIWA has offered a third PhD Scholarship to Alexandra Halliday.
The recipients will join a cohort of promising PhD researchers to ensure WA remains at the forefront of minerals research and technology development.
Since its initiation in 2014, the MRIWA PhD scholarship program has invested $1.9 million to attract and support the development of elite research talent.
This is the first time in the seven-year history of the program that women have won all the competitive scholarships on offer, reversing the traditional male dominance of the industry.
More information about the MRIWA Scholarships program is available at https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/research-funding/phd-scholarship-program/
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is investing to attract the world’s brightest talent to undertake research into issues important to the future of Western Australia’s mining sector.
“The mining industry will continue to be a dynamic driver of the Western Australian economy in the coming decades, and the energy and vision of these research leaders will be an important part of shaping that future.
“The notable success of women in this competitive field is an example of the State Government supporting gender diversity in all industries.”
