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Four exceptional ANU graduates have each been awarded 2025 John Monash Scholarships to advance their influential postgraduate studies overseas at global leading universities. John Monash Scholars are identified based on their exceptional capacity for leadership and commitment to issues of national importance.  

Charles O’Neill - 2025 Commonwealth Bank John Monash Scholar

The cofounder of an AI-powered, community sourced news platform, Charles hopes to see Australia at the forefront of responsible AI advancement. He will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at the University of Oxford to deepen his knowledge of how to control and interpret AI models, with the goal of fuelling AI innovation and application in Australia.

Previous study: Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Bachelor of Economics, The Australian ¾«¶«´«Ã½app University.

Hamish Stewart - 2025 Bob Hawke John Monash Scholar

A dedicated conservationist, Hamish Stewart will pursue a one-year Master of Science in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management at the University of Oxford with the goal of gaining further technical knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s efforts to prevent biodiversity loss.

Previous study: Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science and Biodiversity Conservation) and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, The Australian ¾«¶«´«Ã½app University.

Mikayla Hyland-Wood - 2025 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholarship

An emerging development researcher and youth activist, Mikayla Hyland-Wood will pursue a one-year Master of Science in Water Science, Policy and Management at the University of Oxford. A passionate advocate for water and food security, she has contributed to national and global dialogues through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s World Food Forum Youth Policy Board, and the Researchers in Agriculture for International Development Network.

Previous study: Bachelor of Science Advanced (Hons), The Australian ¾«¶«´«Ã½app University.

Samuel Cass - 2025 John and Anna Belfer Trust John Monash Scholar

An early career lawyer living in Darwin, Samuel will pursue a PhD focused on public interest legal practice and reform at the University of Oxford, with a strategic focus on government accountability and corporate influence, First Nations self-determination and democratic freedoms.

Previous study: Bachelor of Civil Law, University of Oxford (in progress); Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, The Australian ¾«¶«´«Ã½app University.

Congratulations to all four ANU graduates for your well-deserved accomplishments. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve.