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📚 Step 3: Chevening Scholarship Networking Essay

Hi friends,

Our journey towards securing the prestigious Chevening Scholarship continues, and we're now on Step 3 of our six-part series in the Chevening Scholarship Essay Writing Guide.

Part 1: Crafting an Award-Winning Networking Essay

The Networking essay is your opportunity to showcase your ability to connect, collaborate, and engage with a diverse network of individuals. Here are some tips and an outline to help you write an award-winning Networking essay:

Tips for Writing a Networking Essay:

Outline: You should follow the standard rule of writing an essay.

Introduction

Start with a Captivating Anecdote: Begin your essay with an introduction paragraph that introduces the whole point of the paragraph, whether it is about leadership, networking, etc.

Provide examples in the Body : Add a real-life example that illustrates your networking prowess. Showcase a memorable interaction or collaboration that highlights your effective networking skills that have brought a change or something positive.

Highlight Diversity: Emphasize the diversity of your network. Discuss connections with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and professions. Diversity shows your ability to bridge gaps and work effectively with a wide range of individuals. It is good to show that your networks involve, professionals, experts, and politicians (if possible), Academics (such as professors, writers, researchers, alumni, or students), and volunteers (such as community, social, etc.).

Impactful Connections: Share stories of how your network has helped you achieve your goals or make a positive impact in your community or field of study. It is better to use the STAR method to write your examples. Provide concrete examples of how your connections have opened doors or provided valuable insights. To learn more about the STAR method click here .

Demonstrate Reciprocity: Networking is a two-way street. Describe how you've contributed to your network by providing support, mentorship, or assistance to others. Please do not write examples about the things you got or achieved through your networks .

Conclusion: Summarize your leadership journey and its significance.

Seek Feedback: Don't hesitate to ask your friends, mentors, or colleagues to review your essays. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights. You can book consultation sessions with me for one hour or more at www.sirathaidary.com or you can submit your application for review on the website.

Learn more: You can enroll in my essay writing course which I brought a huge discount. Check it out here .

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Stay tuned for our next issue, where we'll delve into the Study Plan essay. Crafting a compelling study plan is essential for your Chevening Scholarship application, and we'll provide you with expert guidance to make it shine.

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Here's a tips and an outline to help you craft a compelling essay:

NEED Help : Don't hesitate to find mentors or friends to help you with the writing process. You can book consultation sessions with me at www.sirathaidary.com or you can enroll in my essay writing course to learn tips and tricks to prepare yourself and win the award.

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The Wave of Study in Abroad

विद्या विनियोगात् विकासः (vidyā viniyogāt vikāsaḥ)

Breakdown of Chevening Essay Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the Chevening scholarship application can be a rewarding yet challenging process. Among the crucial components are the essay questions, which provide an opportunity for you to showcase your aspirations, experiences, and potential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down each of the Chevening essay questions and offer insights to help you craft compelling responses.

1. Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.

Focus: Demonstrating Leadership and Influence

This question aims to gauge your leadership abilities and potential to effect positive change. To answer effectively:

Provide Examples: Share specific instances where you demonstrated leadership, whether in your academic, professional, or community endeavors.
Highlight Influence: Discuss how your actions influenced outcomes, motivated others, or brought about change.
Connect to Future: Explain how your leadership experiences align with your future goals and how the Chevening scholarship will further develop your leadership potential.

2. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. How do you intend to use your Chevening experience to develop your leadership skills and create a positive social change?

Focus: Linking Academic Excellence and Leadership

Here, the focus is on your academic prowess and its relationship to leadership and social impact:

Link Academic and Leadership Goals: Explain how your academic pursuits are intertwined with your leadership aspirations.
Social Impact: Discuss how your Chevening experience will enable you to contribute to positive societal changes.
Specific Plans: Outline tangible actions you’ll take to enhance your leadership skills during and after your studies.

3. Network with people of different nationalities and backgrounds. What can you learn from others? How will this enrich your experience as a Chevening Scholar?

Focus: Embracing Diversity and Networking

This question emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and the value of a diverse network:

Learning from Diversity: Highlight the benefits of interacting with people from various backgrounds, including new perspectives and insights.
Enriching Chevening Experience: Explain how these interactions will contribute to your personal and academic growth as a Chevening Scholar.

4. What influence do you hope to have on your home country or region as a result of studying in the UK?

Focus: Positive Impact on Home Country

This question assesses your vision for the future and your commitment to your home country’s development:

Specific Goals: Outline the specific areas you aim to impact upon your return.
Alignment with UK Study: Explain how your UK education will equip you to address challenges in your home country.

5. Please explain why you want to study in the UK and why you have chosen your selected course(s).

Focus: UK Study and Course Choice

This question explores your motivations for studying in the UK and the relevance of your chosen course:

UK’s Strengths: Discuss the UK’s academic excellence, resources, and opportunities that attract you.
Course Relevance: Explain why your chosen course aligns with your academic and career goals.

6. Summarize all relevant leadership and service-related achievements in which you have participated.

Focus: Leadership and Service Achievements

This is an opportunity to succinctly list your notable leadership and service accomplishments:

Concise Presentation: List achievements in a clear and organized manner.
Highlight Impact: Briefly explain the significance and outcomes of each achievement.

Navigating the Chevening essay questions requires a thoughtful approach that showcases your unique qualities, aspirations, and commitment to positive change. By addressing each question’s specific focus and providing well-structured responses, you can present a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for the Chevening scholarship. Remember to tailor your answers to highlight your strengths and alignment with Chevening’s values and objectives.

India (Chevening Scholarship) | Chevening

Four Essay Topics

Leadership and Influence

Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Using the methods explained above (STAR AND SMART Approach), ensure that you speak on the times you have depicted leadership traits, the leadership positions you have occupied and the times you have displayed a position of influence. These can range from managerial positions, leadership in organizations (NGO's included), or in your day-to-day life. In addition, you can touch on what leadership ambitions you have and how this ties back to your community.

It is important to ensure that the examples are impact-driven and not only for self-gain.

Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Writing your networking essay is primarily about showing clear examples of the relationships you have built, how they were established, and how you have managed to maintain them. In addition, highlight how these said relationships have been instrumental in your personal development and the work that you do. Ensure that you are able to glean from every example the skill acquired and how these skills will be useful to you in the future as a possible Chevening scholar. This essay, in essence, is to show that you have the ability to use the opportunities given to you in a tangible and impactful manner.

Career Plan

Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer-term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. - Question as per Chevening Website

This essay provides an opportunity for you to layout an immediate 2-year plan, and a 5 to 10-year plan. Your plans need to be attainable and should speak to your ambitions as laid out in your career plan. The most important tip for when writing out your career plan, is to ensure that when you touch on your professional experience, it not be written as though it is a Curriculum Vitae but rather speaking on impact, journey, and career trajectory. You too are welcome to link your journey thus far, to how this informs your next career move, namely pursuing a masters degree. You should depict an understanding of what you want to do in the future, how this is tangibly attainable, and what your ambitions are long term.

Studying in the UK

Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please do not duplicate the information you have entered on the work experience and education section of this form. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Do not duplicate your career essay in this essay, however, you can link the information. You will also be required to list the three universities you will be applying to, the name of the courses at the said universities, and why you chose the particular university.

Tip: Depending on which course you intend to study, google the top-performing universities in the said field to inform your university choice. Then ensure that the universities you would like to attend are Chevening partner universities, before finalizing your list of your three chosen universities.

Bonus: I have asked three scholars who have managed to successfully be chosen for Chevening before to assist with proofreading 3 prospective scholars essays before submission. Kindly note that these will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. This available to a total of 9 prospective scholars and no more. Only the 9 successful prospective scholars will be contacted. If you are not contacted, unfortunately, the 9 spots were already taken.

To get your essays proofread - please fill in the form at the link here .

(Available to ONLY the first 9 applicants)

Proofreading volunteer scholars (each reading 3 prospective scholars essays EACH)

Rosalia Shiimi - Rosalia holds a BSc Honours Degree in Geology and a Certificate in Investment Management from the University of Cape Town. She is currently the Acting Grade Control Geologist at Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg Operation. She is a part of the 2021/2022 Chevening cohort, pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Environment Geology at Cardiff University.

Abel is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and former Head of Internal Audit. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing. In addition, he too is a Section Chairperson and Branch Executive member in SPYL and serve on the NCCI Windhoek Trading Committee. He will be pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at the University of Birmingham.

Hilja Eelu - Hilja is a UCT molecular biology graduate and a previous recipient of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship. Having been awarded both the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship, she will be pursuing the MSc Control of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine starting September 2020, thanks to the Commonwealth scholarship.

Additional Reading Material

Essay Tips from the Reading Committee of Chevening

Essay Examples

Writing an effective networking essay

My Application for Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Leadership Essay

How I won the Chevening Scholarship - Part 2: Writing your Essays

From One Powerhouse to another

Twitter - @MavisBraga

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Crafting Your Chevening Scholarship Application Essay: A Structured Template

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program fully funded by the UK government. It is specifically designed to provide opportunities for outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The program is named after the Chevening House in the UK, which is used for many of its events.

To be selected for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and go through a competitive application and selection process. The eligibility criteria include:

Being a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
Having an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience.

Once the eligibility is confirmed, applicants are evaluated based on their leadership qualities, academic achievements, and potential to contribute to their home country. The selection process involves multiple rounds of assessment, including written applications, interviews, and references from credible sources. Only the most exceptional candidates are chosen for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

Crafting an effective Chevening essay requires a thoughtful approach that begins with a deep understanding of the essay prompt. By brainstorming, outlining, highlighting achievements, and improving on grammar, flow, composition, and relevancy, applicants can create a compelling narrative that demonstrates their suitability for the scholarship. This strategic approach will increase their chances of becoming Chevening Scholars and pursuing their academic and leadership goals in the UK.

The provided hypothetical responses to the Chevening scholarship essay questions should not be used or referenced in your application, as doing so could lead to automatic disqualification. The purpose of these responses is to assist inexperienced scholarship applicants in effectively approaching the essay task.

BY ALL MEANS AVOID COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR ESSAY.

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I possess the qualities and experiences necessary to meet Chevening’s requirement of being a future leader or influencer in my home country. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and influencing skills, which I intend to develop further during my time in the UK.

One significant example of my leadership ability is when I served as the president of a student organization during my undergraduate studies. In this role, I successfully led a team of diverse individuals toward a common goal. I organized events, managed budgets, and ensured effective communication among team members. Through this experience, I not only honed my organizational and managerial skills but also learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving objectives. I organized a symposium titled Life after Undergraduate Studies. This symposium recorded 1000 participants including the vice chancellor of the university and several guest speakers.

In my professional life, I have held a position as a project manager in a non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation. During my tenure, I initiated a campaign to raise awareness about sustainable practices in our community. Through strategic planning and effective communication, I garnered support from local businesses, government agencies, and community members. This campaign resulted in a significant reduction in environmental degradation in our area. My ability to mobilize resources and inspire action illustrates my capacity to influence positive change.

Furthermore, my involvement in advocating for educational reform in my home country underscores my commitment to becoming a future influencer. I have actively participated in discussions with policymakers and educational institutions, presenting innovative ideas to improve the quality of education and access for underprivileged communities. My efforts have contributed to policy changes and the implementation of programs aimed at bridging educational disparities.

I intend to capitalize on the world-class education and networking opportunities Chevening offers to further enhance my leadership and influencing skills. I will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy, focusing on sustainable development and social equality, which are critical issues in my home country. This academic experience will provide me with the knowledge and expertise needed to address pressing challenges effectively.

In conclusion, my track record of leadership roles and influencing outcomes, coupled with my dedication to addressing pressing issues in my home country, makes me a strong candidate for Chevening’s mission of nurturing future leaders and influencers. My time in the UK will serve as a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to make a lasting positive impact on my community and beyond.

ALSO READ: Call for Applications: Schwarzman Scholars Program in China 2024-25 | Fully Funded

NETWORKING QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. (minimum word count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: Building and maintaining professional relationships has been an integral part of my career journey, and it is a cornerstone of effective leadership and influence. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Below, I provide clear examples of how I currently build and maintain professional relationships and how I plan to leverage these skills in the future, especially during my time in the UK through the Chevening program.

In my current role as a project manager at XXX, I have had the opportunity to work with cross-functional teams comprising members from various departments, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. To foster collaboration and ensure project success, I proactively initiate meetings, facilitate open communication channels, and actively listen to my team members’ ideas and concerns. By valuing their input and expertise, I have established trust and respect within the team, which has resulted in enhanced teamwork and project outcomes. These relationships are essential not only for project success but also for my personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, I engage in professional networking events and conferences within my industry. At these events, I approach professionals with a genuine curiosity about their work and experiences. I ask insightful questions and actively listen, seeking to understand their perspectives and challenges. By doing so, I have built a valuable network of industry experts and peers whom I can turn to for advice, collaboration, or knowledge sharing. One notable example is when I connected with [Industry Expert’s Name] at a conference. Our discussions eventually led to a collaborative research project that has since been published in a reputable industry journal.

Looking ahead, I aspire to use these relationship-building skills during my Chevening journey. In the UK, I plan to actively engage with the Chevening community, my fellow scholars, and faculty members at my chosen university. I intend to organize and participate in academic and professional networking events, creating an environment conducive to sharing knowledge and experiences. By fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, I hope to encourage meaningful interactions and collaborations among scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, the Chevening experience is an opportunity to expand my global network. I aim to connect with British professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who can provide unique insights into their fields and contribute to my personal and professional growth. Through these interactions, I plan to bring back valuable knowledge and experiences to my home country, fostering international collaborations that can address pressing global challenges.

In conclusion, my ability to build and maintain professional relationships has been instrumental in my career growth thus far. I am excited about the prospect of further developing these skills during my Chevening journey. Through active engagement with the Chevening community, networking with professionals in the UK, and fostering international collaborations, I aim to use my relationship-building skills to influence and lead others in my chosen profession and make a positive impact on a global scale.

ALSO READ: The Rhodes Scholarship for outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford

STUDY IN UK QUESTION: Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please enter new information and examples here and not duplicate the information you have entered on the work experience and education section of this form (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I have meticulously selected my three university courses for the Chevening Scholarship with a clear vision of how each choice aligns with my previous academic and professional experiences and contributes to my plans.

My first choice is to study Public Policy at Oxford University. This is rooted in my deep-seated commitment to public service and policy advocacy. Throughout my career in xxx, I have actively engaged in policy analysis and contributed to the development of initiatives aimed at improving public services and addressing societal challenges. Oxford University’s rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty members in the field of public policy make it the ideal place for me to deepen my understanding of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.

Oxford’s academic excellence will not only enhance my policy analysis skills but also provide me with a global perspective on effective governance. Armed with this knowledge, I aim to return to my home country and play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address pressing issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and poverty alleviation.

My second choice is to pursue a degree in Public Project Management at the University of Cambridge. This stems from my extensive experience in project management and my aspiration to contribute to efficient and impactful public projects. In my current role as a Project Manager at [Company Name], I have led cross-functional teams and overseen the successful execution of complex projects. However, I recognize the unique challenges that public projects present, including budget constraints and stakeholder engagement.

The University of Cambridge’s program is renowned for its emphasis on project management within the public sector. By acquiring advanced project management skills tailored to the public domain, I aim to bridge the gap between private and public project management practices. This knowledge will enable me to lead public projects that are not only cost-effective but also yield significant social benefits.

My third choice of the Public Engagement and Sustainability program at University College London reflects my passion for environmental conservation and community engagement. Over the years, I have been actively involved in environmental initiatives and community outreach programs. The intersection of public engagement and sustainability is crucial for addressing the global climate crisis and promoting responsible citizenship.

University College London’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines sustainability studies with effective public engagement strategies. By enrolling in this program, I will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the means to engage communities in adopting them. This knowledge will be instrumental in my long-term career goal of advocating for sustainable policies, promoting eco-friendly practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in my home country.

In conclusion, my choice of these three university courses is a strategic step in my journey to becoming a global leader who can drive positive change in my home country. These programs will not only enrich my academic and professional knowledge but will also empower me to tackle complex issues related to public policy, project management, sustainability, and community engagement. Through the Chevening Scholarship, I aspire to return home with the expertise needed to make a lasting impact on the development and well-being of my community and nation.

ALSO READ: YALI RLC cohort 46 (Onsite) Selection Process and Criteria

CAREER PLANS QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: My post-study career plan and long-term career goals are intricately connected to my aspirations to contribute to the development and prosperity of my home country. Upon completing my studies in the UK through the Chevening program, I have a clear vision of my immediate and longer-term career objectives.

Upon returning to my home country, I intend to actively apply the knowledge and skills I acquire during my studies in the UK to make an immediate impact. Given my background and career in the public sector, I aim to return to my current position or a higher-ranking role within my government agency. My immediate goal is to use the insights gained from my academic program to contribute to more effective and evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. I aim to be at the forefront of initiatives that address critical issues facing my country, such as healthcare reform and education enhancement.

I am committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences I gain in the UK with my colleagues and peers. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions within my government agency to promote best practices and foster a culture of continuous learning. I plan to engage actively with local communities and civil society organizations. Through volunteering and collaborative projects, I want to apply my expertise to address social and environmental challenges, aligning with the UK government’s emphasis on sustainable development and community engagement.

Looking further into the future, my long-term career goals are shaped by a commitment to sustainable development, social progress, and the values promoted by the UK government in my home country. Over the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within my government’s policy-making bodies. I aim to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address complex societal challenges, foster economic growth, and promote social inclusivity. I envision fostering international collaborations between my home country and the UK. Leveraging the networks I build during my Chevening journey, I will seek opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and partnerships that benefit both nations.

I am passionate about education and its role in societal progress. Therefore, I plan to establish educational initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programs that empower the next generation of leaders and scholars in my country. This aligns with the UK government’s commitment to global education and capacity-building. Long term, I aim to be a prominent advocate for sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and renewable energy solutions in my country. I will work towards aligning national policies with global sustainability goals, reflecting the UK government’s focus on climate action and environmental protection.

In conclusion, my post-study career plan and long-term career goals are driven by a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in my home country. I intend to leverage the knowledge, skills, and networks gained during my Chevening-sponsored education in the UK to contribute to effective governance, sustainable development, and positive change. By aligning my aspirations with the values and goals of the UK government in my country, I aim to be a catalyst for progress and development in the years to come.

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Chevening Applications Q&A: your questions answered

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We held two Q&A sessions on our Instagram and Facebook channels last week to answer your questions about the Chevening Application process. As we were not able to answer every question in the time that we had (we received over 500!), here is our summary of the most common questions that came up, and our answers to them.

1. When do I apply to Chevening and when do I apply for my UK university courses?

You must apply for a Chevening Scholarship between the 12 September 2023 and 7 November 2023 via our website . On your Chevening Application, you will be asked to select three courses at up to three UK universities that you have already applied to OR plan to apply to.

The date when you apply to your chosen UK university courses will depend on the deadline of those courses. You will find those deadlines on the specific university course webpage.

You must have secured at least one unconditional offer from a UK university by 11 July 2024 in order to be able to take up a Chevening Scholarship.

2. Am I eligible for a Chevening Scholarship if…?

You will find all the eligibility criteria for a Chevening Scholarship on the eligibility page of our website. The most common eligibility criteria questions we received were:

Is there an upper age limit for Chevening Scholarships? No!

Is my country eligible for a Chevening Scholarship? You will find information on all eligible countries on the apply page of our website. This information is updated regularly to reflect any changes to your country’s eligibility. You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country to be considered for a Chevening Scholarship.

Is there an English language requirement? No, Chevening does not have an English language requirement. However, all UK universities will have specific English language requirements. So please check this with the university you are planning on applying to before submitting your application.

Can I apply before I finished my undergraduate degree? No, you must have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time you submit your application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but may be different depending on your course and university choice. You will be asked to upload either a degree certificate or degree transcript from your undergraduate degree as part of your Chevening Application.

3. Are there restrictions on the types of university courses I can apply for?

Chevening Scholarships are for one-year taught master’s courses only. So, that means no PhDs and no bachelor’s/undergraduate degree programmes.

You can choose from hundreds of courses at hundreds of UK universities – and this can include subjects in the arts and humanities or the sciences. You will find everything you need to know about which courses are eligible on our courses webpage .

On your Chevening Application form, you will need to explain how the three courses you have chosen to study in the UK reflect your current or future career goals. Therefore, the three courses should be similar in content in order to demonstrate your commitment to a specific career goal.

We also recommend applying to three courses at three different universities in order to increase the likelihood that you will gain entry into one of them.

Finally, remember that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires you to cover any additional cost concerning tuition fees over £22,000. This fee cap only applies to MBA programmes.

4. Does remote/volunteer/internship work count towards the work experience requirement?

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must have completed 2,800 hours of work experience. This can include full-time employment, part-time employment, remote work, voluntary work, paid or unpaid internships.

Our work experience page gives you all the information you need to calculate whether you are eligible for this requirement.

5. What types of references do I need?

You must submit the names of two referees when you submit your Chevening Application. Your referees can either be known to you in a professional or academic capacity – they should not be a relative or close personal friend. You can upload either two professional references or two academic references, or one professional reference and one academic reference.

If your application is progressed to the next stage, you will then be required to upload two reference letters to the online application system.

Our references page gives more information on the referencing process and requirements.

6. What are your top tips for the essay questions?

In the essays, we are looking for evidence of your leadership potential and networking skills, an overview of your personal goals and how they will benefit your home country, and a strong understanding of how your Chevening Scholarship and chosen master’s courses in the UK will help you to achieve your goals. The essay questions are what gives us the best first impression of who you are as a person and future leader. They are all equally important and equally weighted.

We also understand that leadership comes in many shapes and forms. You do not need to have had managerial experience in order to prove that you have leadership potential. But you should share examples of how you have successfully led a project, a group or a team, ideally in a professional context.

This blogpost contains feedback from last year’s reading committees on common mistakes applicants made, including in the essay questions.

7. Can I apply again and will this either advantage or disadvantage me?

Yes, you can most certainly apply again. Many of our current scholars applied multiple times before being #ChosenForChevening. Applying again will neither advantage nor disadvantage you, as your application will be assessed by an independent reading committee and they will only look at your latest application.

This means you can submit the same essays again. However, we strongly recommend re-reading your essays to check that they are still the best possible representation of you. You should also check carefully how you can improve the essays to give you a better chance of being successful this time round.

8. Why should I apply to Chevening?

Chevening allows you to choose the course that’s right for you from hundreds of courses at hundreds of universities – this includes some of the most prestigious universities globally. It also gives you access to a lifelong community of leaders from around the world, who you will have the chance to meet and bond with throughout your Chevening year at events and conferences across the UK (we organise more than 60 exclusive events for our scholars every year!).

We know we may be biased though, so we’ll let some of our lovely scholars do the talking instead from here:

‘It is true that Chevening is a really powerful network to have. My time in the UK also really pushed me out of my comfort zone. While I was in the UK I got to explore, be self-sufficient, and learn to be a go-getter’ – Bantu Mabado, 2021 Chevening Scholar, University of Edinburgh

‘The ‘Chevening factor’ has boosted my personal brand in ways I had never imagined as both a prospective employee and in my own capacity as an entrepreneur where it has inspired a potent evolution of thought and outlooks in life.’ – Mzameni Mpanza, 2016 Chevening Scholar, Loughborough University

‘I chose Chevening because it gives me to access to the key factors of success: studying in a world-leading university, learning in an empowering environment, and being part of a prestigious community’ – Nassima Chahboun, 2022 Chevening Scholar, University College London

You can find more answers to common questions on our FAQs page . If you have a specific question that you cannot find the answer to on our website, please use the contact us form .

Stay tuned for more live Q&As to follow on our Facebook and Instagram channels during the applications period!

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Follow these five steps between now and when applications open to put yourself in the best position to write a first-class application for Chevening.

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As Chevening Scholarship results are announced, you may find that you have not received the news you were hoping for, and in this case will no doubt wonder where you might have gone wrong in your application – after all, you’ll want to review your application ahead of reapplying with even stronger essays when applications […]

What will your contribution be? How to show interviewers your value to the Chevening network

Here are 3 questions to help you work out what kind of Chevener you’ll be A Chevening Scholarship is not just a scholarship for a year of study – it’s a network for life. Our scholars work together around the world long after they graduate, taking on projects from setting up new networks in Israel to […]

5 things no one tells you about the Chevening Scholarship

Getting paid to go to school is possibly every student’s dream. What better way to achieve that dream than through scholarships? The Chevening Scholarship is one of the fully-funded scholarships available for international students to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.

Recipients have a free pass to join exclusive events and training as well as meet and build a global network with like-minded people from around the world. Most importantly, awardees can study worry-free, with their fees and expenses being fully covered.

Sounds too good to be true? Here are five not-so-known things about the prestigious Chevening Scholarship:

Things they don’t tell you about the Chevening Scholarship

1. align your goals with the uk to improve your chances of winning a chevening scholarship .

Applicants should check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s development tracker as well as the UK government’s News and Communications section. Source: Cris Bouroncle/AFP

The UK benefits from having friends around the world. These include Chevening Scholarship recipients who are striving to realise the same goals as the UK.

You can show you aspire to be one of them in the essays you’ll write as part of the application process for the Chevening Scholarship. The essay topics explore your leadership and influence, network, reasons for studying in the UK and your career plan.

Here are two ways you can identify the UK’s priority areas in your home country:

First, check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s development tracker . Here, you will see countries the UK is funding for this year. Once you’ve found your home country, you can fully access information on past and present projects that are or have been funded by the UK.

Another way is to look at the UK government’s News section. This monitors projects and gives you an overview of the latest developments. Let the interview committee know you’re aware of these and want to forge a future based on the same goals. This will give you an edge. Find a more detailed explanation here .

2. You can claim refunds

As an international student, you are entitled to both tax refunds and Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Source: Justin Tallis/AFP

There are two types of tax refunds you are entitled to as an international student in the UK.

Firstly, tax refunds. If you have undertaken a job, either part-time or vacation — you may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance . In the case where you have paid income tax for those jobs, you are entitled to tax refunds or national insurance.

However, there are some double-taxation agreements that show you don’t pay UK tax on your income if you work while you’re a student. Check here if your country has such an agreement with the UK.

Secondly, Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. If you bought anything in the UK within the last three months , you might be eligible for a refund. You’ll have to confirm you won’t enter the UK or EU for the next 12 months on student visas, short-term visas and tourist visas.

If you would like to claim VAT refunds and aren’t planning to return to the UK any time soon, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to claim VAT refunds.

3. A rumoured “reserves list”

It is reported that some students received emails from the Chevening Scholarship board, mentioning that they’ve been placed on a reserves list. Source: Jeff Pachoud/AFP

Some applicants have reportedly received emails from the scholarship board, mentioning that they’ve been placed on a “reserves list”.

There are no sources confirming or explaining what being on the “reserves list” means. Previous Awardees shared that if you’ve been placed on the reserves list, you might still have a chance to be awarded the Chevening Scholarship. Check out this success story of a student from the “reserves list,” who eventually went on to become a Chevening Scholar.

4. English requirements are no longer needed

The Chevening Scholarship no longer requires its applicants to show proof of their English proficiency. Source: Thomas Coex/AFP

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult and, in most cases, inaccessible for students to take the required English tests. To standardise the scholarship application sessions for 2022, the scholarship committee waived the English proficiency requirement .

In light of this, many UK unis have also expanded their list of acceptable qualifications for entry. The best thing to do is to check with your individual universities if they still expect proof of English test requirements.

5. You don’t have to be a first class student

International students don’t have to be first class honours degree holders to apply for the Chevening Scholarships. Source: Oli Scarff/AFP

While it’s true that applicants typically need to have an upper second class 2:1 honours degree , they don’t have to first-class graduates to apply for the scholarship.

Take John Ogunjimi , for instance. Ogunjimi is a 2020 Chevening Scholar who decided to pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Science. Although he only had a lower second class 2:2, the Chevening Scholarship committee looked at his experiences, dreams and passions. This shows that it boils down to your ability to demonstrate your goals and vision for your future — and maybe even that of your sector or your country — that’ll distinguish you from others.

You can learn more about Ogunjimi’s experience here .

Chevening Scholarship Essays

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How to Win the Chevening Scholarship in 2024

Ifeoma Chuks

September 19, 2023

Chevening scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students to study in the UK. The scholarship enables outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. Chevening scholars participate in exclusive events and training; meet, and build a global network with likeminded people from around the world. And very importantly, you don’t worry about your fees and expenses. You simply get paid to go to school.

Application for the Chevening scholarship typically opens in August and closes in November each year and up to 1,500 scholarships are awarded every year.

Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada - See if you are eligible

Got Admission to Study in US or Canada? See if you are eligible for international student loan

In one of our interviews with scholarship winners, we spoke with Charles Adedugba, a Chevening Scholarship winner studying masters in Electrical Engineering for Sustainable and Renewable Energy at University of Nottingham in the UK. Charles shared his experience on what it takes to win a Chevening scholarship. So in today’s video, we bring you insider secrets to winning a Chevening Scholarship. We will cover:

The four pillar qualities of Chevening Scholars
How to write the Chevening Scholarship Essay
Should you apply for scholarship before or after admission
Interview tips and more.

We hold back nothing. While you are here, consider subscribing to After School Africa channel for more educative videos like this.

Want to watch instead? See How to Win the Chevening Scholarship in 2024 video below:

Who is a typical Chevening Scholar?

The first step in getting any scholarship, including Chevening, is to make sure you are eligible to apply. If you do not yet meet some requirements, you can then make the effort to add it to your portfolio. For the Chevening, there are four pillars qualities you must possess to be awarded a Scholarship. In the order of importance, number one is;

Demonstrate Leadership Potential

For Chevening Scholarship the flagship quality is leadership potential. Academic performance is the background, but the most important quality is your demonstrated ability to lead. This does not mean that you should have held a political position or headed an organization. You just have to possess the innate qualities of a leader. How do you stand out? Are you proactive? Are you a problem solver and innovative? Have you initiated something to bring about change or solution to a problem individually or as a team? These are all qualities of a leader.

The second pillar quality is…

Demonstrate Ability to Communicate Effectively

Beyond leadership, you must be able to communicate with people effectively. You cannot be a leader in isolation. You should be able to meet and interact with people. Your ability to communicate effectively will the accessed from your application and during interviews.

Reading is boring? Watch How to Win the Chevening Scholarship in 2020

The third pillar quality is…

Have a Future Plan

Are you ambitious and have a plan for your life? Why did you choose your course of study? Why do you want to study in the UK? Why do you need the Chevening scholarship? And how will all of these help achieve your future goals? You must be able to answer these questions. You should have a vision and have a plan to implement it.

The four pillar quality is…

Graduate with at least Second class upper

The basic requirement for a Chevening scholarship is to graduate with at least a second class upper. Most Chevening scholars hold a 2:1. So you don’t have to be a first class student to get this scholarship.

Typical Chevening Scholars tend to have ambition, leadership potential, and a strong academic background. Your ability to submit a strong application that demonstrates you are capable of excelling on an intense master’s course in the UK, and that you have a clear vision for your future – and maybe even that of your sector or your country, will set you on the part to success.

Reading is boring? Watch How to Win the Chevening Scholarship

Work Experience

Chevening Scholarships require that applicants have at least two years of work experience. This can be a full-time or part-time employment, voluntary work or internship; paid or unpaid. Work experience can be completed before, during, or after graduating from your undergraduate studies, but excludes industrial attachments or internships that are part of your school work. You do not need to meet the work experience requirement in one period of employment. But your total working experience must be up to two years.

Writing a Winning Chevening Scholarship Essay

The essay is where you demonstrate your personality to become a Chevening scholar. If you successfully checked out the above requirements, you wouldn’t find it difficult telling your story.

The scholarship application requires four essays about 500 words each. Each of these essays reflects one of the four pillar qualities. The trick is to not see it as four different essays but as one long segmented essay. Let all the parts connect. The essay on Leadership should link to networking; networking should link to your future plan, your future plan should link to your academics, and academic back to leadership.

If you have been involved in volunteering activities, this will help emphasize your leadership, communication or even visionary ability. Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your interest and passion for a cause. While there is no specific essay on volunteering, your volunteering efforts can help write a compelling essay.

When you have written your essay, get someone else to proofread it and give their honest feedback. If possible get someone that has probably gone through the same process before to help proofread your application.

If you are shortlisted to interview for a Chevening Scholarship, then you will be invited to attend an interview at the British embassy or high commission.

While you might naturally feel nervous in advance of the interview, do remember that to have made it to the interview stage is a huge achievement, and it means that you are already one of the strongest candidates. An interview is a great opportunity to really demonstrate why you should be selected for a scholarship and why you should join the Chevening community.

You will be asked a series of questions discussing some of the information you provided in the application form. The panel will ask questions that will enable you to explain your personal and professional aspirations, and how Chevening can facilitate your achievement of these goals. Your course choices will also be discussed and you will be asked to provide an update on your applications.

Scholarship or Admission Application; which should come first?

Selecting the right courses at the right universities is one of the most important aspects of your application. But you don’t have to be awarded admission to apply for the scholarship. According to Charles , “I did not apply to the university until I got the Chevening Scholarship. I applied for the university admission the day I got my Chevening scholarship”. So you don’t have to apply for admission before applying for Chevening scholarship.

In summary, if you’re still an undergraduate student, work on getting good grades. For everyone else, identify something you really are interested in, a problem you really want to be a part of the solution, something that pushes you beyond your academics and emphasize this throughout your application. The world makes way for one that knows where he is going. If you are clear on where you are going and why, you may just be one of the next Chevening Scholarship winners.

If you are a Chevening Scholar, feel free to share your experience in the comment section. If you have questions about the Chevening Scholarship, the comment section is open. If you found this video helpful, thumb up and share. If you are yet to subscribe to After School Africa, this is likely a good time to subscribe. Until next time. YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!

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10 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples From Real Students

Make your application shine.

Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell—these were my few constants.

Writing a scholarship essay can be intimidating. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high, so students are bound to feel the pressure. It may be helpful, therefore, to look at essays that were successful. What did those students do to impress the committee? These scholarship essay examples will give you a better idea of how to make an application shine!

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

We’ve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you haven’t read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started.

Carefully read the rules

The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didn’t do the right thing.

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process.

Get to know the provider

Think of the scholarship provider as your target audience. You want to tailor your essay to impress them, so do your research. What kinds of candidates are they looking for? What causes do they support? Dig deep for the information you need!

Think about who you are, what you want to say, and how to appeal to the scholarship committee. Write everything down and then choose the best ideas.

The scholarship committee will be reviewing many applications. How can you make yours unforgettable? Highlight your strongest assets, share hard lessons if they showcase your growth as a person and/or student, and be honest. Never lie in a scholarship essay!

Be professional

Consider this the most important academic paper you’ve ever written. Don’t use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay that’s been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.

One last tip

Don’t reuse scholarship essays! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but students need to put the same effort into every application. Use the same process and it will get faster and easier every time!

Scholarship Essay Examples

Afc visionary scholarship essay by nicole kuznetsov.

Award Amount: $5,000

Essay prompt: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

Why it was successful: The beauty of this essay is that it’s well-organized and simple. Nicole Kuznetsov chose to outline her story by using chronology and provided a clean, concise story following a linear path.

As a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom.

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Essay by Christine Fung

Award Amount: $1,000

Why it was successful: Christine Fung masterfully shared how her upbringing instilled strong values, a love for education, and a passion for medicine .

The more involved I became, the more I learned as a leader and as a person.

The Bill Browning Scholarship Essay by Gabby DeMott

Award Amount: $10,000

Essay prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Why it was successful: Gabby DeMott shared her experiences with personal growth and overcoming fears in Germany. She also appealed to the very human feeling of wanting to belong in a way that was inspiring.

Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn’t even mine, so part of something I didn’t really belong to.

Life Happens Scholarship Essay by Emily Trader

Award Amount: $15,000

Essay prompt: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.

Why it was successful: Emily Trader fully addressed the prompt in honest, beautiful detail. She knew her audience and tailored her essay to appeal to them while telling her compelling story.

If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable.

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Essay prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

Why it was successful: Isabella Mendez-Figueroa shared an empowering story about her parents overcoming financial adversity so that she and her sister could be the first in their family to go to college.

As I’ve grown I’ve learned to fight my own monsters but I now also battle the ones that frighten my parents, the monsters of a world that they weren’t born into.

Giva Scholarship Essay by Joseph Lee

Essay prompt: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

Why it was successful: Joseph Lee offered a captivating , personal story that was essentially a list of things that make someone a good doctor without it feeling boring or calculated.

I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a

New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana

Award amount: $39,500

Essay prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

Why it was successful: Ana discussed how early experiences w ith learning difficult things has contributed to her passion for teaching and supporting students.

The Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship Essay by Steven Fisher

Award amount: $7,500

Essay prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

Why it was successful: Steven Fisher’s powerful essay connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world.

My growth as a person was exponential. I rewrote so many areas of my life where I didn’t do things I wanted because of social conditioning.

Women’s World Banking Founder’s Scholarship Essay by Rosaisha Ozoria

Essay prompt: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.

Why it was successful: Rosaisha Ozoria focused on a very specific topic , financial literacy for Hispanic women, and emphasized its importance and relevance to her own life.

This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference – in my neighborhood and for my Spanish community.

The Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship Essay by Famyrah Lafortune

Award amount: $3,500

Essay prompt: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

Why it was successful: Famyrah Lafortune starts with a strong statement about ending racial inequality and then details the steps she’ll take to make it happen.

By raising awareness of racial disparities that occur everywhere, I might encourage a new wave of change in our country ...

Do you have any great scholarship essay examples? Share them below!

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more suggestions be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

Need money for college? These scholarship essay examples will help your application stand out over the competition!

Discuss a time when reflection or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.

60+ College Essay Prompts From Actual 2023-2024 Applications

Ideas to inspire every college applicant. Continue Reading

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Sami Michael, Iraqi-born and award-winning Israeli author and activist, dies at 97

FILE - Iraqi-born Israeli author Sami Michael, left, is congratulated by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, as he receives an Emet Prize in Jerusalem Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. Sami Michael, an award-winning Iraqi-Israeli author who was known for writing poignantly about oppressed minorities and the challenges faced by Jews from Arab countries, has died. He was 97. (AP Photo / Jim Hollander, Pool, File)

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Sami Michael, an award-winning Iraqi-Israeli author who was known for writing poignantly about oppressed minorities and the challenges faced by Jews from Arab countries, died on Monday. He was 97.

His characters, who were often Arabic-speaking Jews like himself, opened a window into the particular pains and challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa , as well as his close relationships with Israeli Palestinians in the mixed city of Haifa.

“His characters bridged the divide between Jews and Arabs,” said Itamar Drori, a senior lecturer in literature at Israel’s Bar Ilan University.

Because Michael was a native Arabic speaker who grew up immersed in Baghdad’s rich cultural scene, Michael often felt closer to Arab culture in Israel, especially because Israel’s European-influenced Jewish leadership discriminated against Mizrahi Jews, Drori said.

Michael was also critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and advocated for oppressed minorities.

He served as the president of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel for more than two decades until last September. “He expressed his pain and rage toward the injustices in Israel, demanded where justice must be served and instilled in us a spirit of hope for change,” the organization said in a statement announcing Michael’s death.

FILE - Barbara Rush appears at the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival - Opening Night Gala of "When Harry Met Sally" in Los Angeles on April 11, 2019. Rush, who co-starred in films with Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman and other leading men of the 1950s and 1960s and had a thriving TV career later in life, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 at age 97. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Michael was born in a wealthy mixed neighborhood of Baghdad in 1926 and was active in the Communist Party as a young man.

An arrest warrant from Iraqi authorities forced him to flee to Iran in 1948 and then to Israel in 1949, where he worked as a journalist for the party’s Arabic-language newspaper in the northern city of Haifa. In 1955, disgruntled with some of the Communist Party’s ideology, he left the paper and the party and went to work as a hydrologist with the Israel Hydrologic Authority.

After a writing hiatus of nearly 20 years, Michael published his first novel in Hebrew in 1974, “All Men are Equal — But Some are More,” recounting the struggles of Mizrahi Jews as they adjusted to life in Israel. In the years after Israeli independence in 1948, newly arrived Mizrahi Jews were forced to live in shantytown transit camps and faced significant discrimination by the country’s European leaders.

He wrote more than 20 novels and children’s books, in addition to plays, essays and cultural criticism. Some of his books were also adapted into movies. He won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for children’s literature as well as many of Israel’s top literary prizes, including twice capturing the prime minister’s prize for Hebrew literature.

The main role of culture is to “shine a bright light over ignorance, injustice and corruption,” Michael told Israel’s Haaretz newspaper in 2018. He added that he felt called to take action against Israeli policies that push the country “into an abyss,” recalling when writers and poets remained silent in Iraq against unjust government dictates in his youth.

“Signing petitions was not enough, because without real action on the part of intellectuals and consumers of culture, the whole of society will pay a heavy price,” he said.

Later Monday, President Isaac Herzog eulogized Michael as “a giant among giants” who “made our bookshelf rich and spectacular.”

Michael is survived by his two children from his first marriage, and his second wife, journalist Rachel Yona Michael, according to Haaretz.

Office of the Vice President for Research

Ovpr announces recipients of 2024 discovery and innovation awards.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is honoring 11 faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions to research, scholarship, and creative activity as part of the 2024 Discovery and Innovation Awards .

“ The winners represent the best and the brightest of our University of Iowa faculty and staff, who are making an impact across a range of disciplines,” said Marty Scholtz, vice president for research. “Their research and scholarship enhance undergraduate and graduate education on campus, and their efforts to expand the frontiers of discovery betters our community, state, and world.”

The OVPR solicited nominations from across campus for the awards, which include: Scholar of the Year, Early Career Scholar of the Year, Leadership in Research, and awards that recognize achievement in communicating scholarship with public audiences, community engagement, arts and humanities, mentorship, research administration and safety. A campuswide event on April 30 will celebrate the winners.

Faculty Awards

Jun Wang , James E. Ashton Professor and interim departmental executive officer in the College of Engineering’s

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, is the 2024 Scholar of the Year . The award celebrates nationally recognized recent achievement in outstanding research, scholarship, and/or creative activities.

Wang’s research centers on the development of novel remote sensing techniques to characterize aerosols and fires from space. He serves as the University of Iowa’s lead investigator on NASA’s TEMPO, Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring Pollution, which Time magazine named one of its best inventions of 2023.

“Professor Wang's scholarly endeavors over the past two years stand out as a paradigm of excellence, serving as an exemplary model for both emerging and seasoned faculty members to aspire toward,” said Karim Abdel-Malek, professor of biomedical engineering and director of the Iowa Technology Institute.

James Byrne , assistant professor of radiation oncology in the Carver College of Medicine ( CCOM ), is the 2024 Early Career Scholar of the Year . The award honors assistant professors who are currently involved in research, scholarship, and/or creative activity and show promise of making a significant contribution to their field.

As a physician scientist, Byrne continues to care for patients while developing novel biomedical therapies for cancer, finding inspiration in everything from latte foam to tardigrades. In his first two years as faculty at the UI, he has earned more that $2.5M in external research funding, including a K08 award from the NIH.

“Dr. Byrne’s scientific creativity stems from both an active and curious mind as well as his ability to bridge diverse fields from engineering to biology to medicine,” said Michael Henry, professor and interim director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. “These interdisciplinary boundaries are where some of the most interesting and important work is happening today.”

Donna Santillan , research professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Science Research in the CCOM Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, received the Leadership in Research Award , which recognizes research and scholarly accomplishments throughout a career.

While Santillan’s research has spanned across the field of reproductive science, she has a particular interest in the deadly diseases of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and its intergenerational effects. She designed and directs the Women’s Health Tissue Repository. Santillan’s work has been cited more than 2,700 times, and she has mentored 114 early career scientists and students, a testament to her expansive impact.

“Dr. Santillan has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering the professional and personal development of trainees in research, including myself,” said Banu Gumusoglu, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “Her mentorship extends beyond the confines of traditional academic settings, touching the lives of many aspiring trainees from high school through residency, clinical fellowship, and faculty levels.”

Stephen Warren , professor of history and American studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), received the Distinguished Achievement in Publicly Engaged Research Award . The award recognizes an individual faculty member who has put addressing public needs and direct engagement with the public, in the service of improving quality of life through research, at the forefront of his or her academic activities.

A prolific scholar of Native American culture, Warren’s research has centered on the Shawnee people of Oklahoma for the past two decades. He has published four books and co-authored the most recent one , Replanting Cultures: Community-Engaged Scholarship in Indian Country, with Chief Benjamin Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe.

“Over the last two decades, Professor Warren has established himself as a leading community-engaged scholar, and his achievements in research and publishing demonstrate that community engagement and strong scholarship are not mutually exclusive,” said Nick Benson, director of the Office of Community Engagement. “Professor Warren’s work serves as an inspiration for researchers at Iowa and nationally who seek not only to make a difference in academia, but also in our communities.”

Kaveh Akbar , associate professor of English in CLAS, received the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Humanities Research Award . This award honors distinguished achievement in humanities scholarship and work in the creative, visual and performing arts.

Akbar joined Iowa in 2022 to serve as the director of the English and creative writing major. In January, his new novel, Martyr!, was published to critical acclaim. Akbar previously published two prize-winning poetry collections and has served as poetry editor for The Nation since 2021.

“Akbar’s leadership in the profession and on campus continues: his transformative work in our department not only enriches the academic experiences of 700+ English and creative writing majors, but also enhances the profile of UI as ‘The Writing University,’” said Blaine Greteman, professor and departmental executive officer of the Department of English.

Cara Hamann , associate professor of epidemiology, received the Faculty Communicating ideas Award . This award recognizes excellence in communication about research and scholarship in the sciences and humanities and the study of creative, visual, and performing arts to a general audience directly or via print and electronic media.

Hamann has frequently shared her work on transportation issues, including teen driving, bike and scooter safety, and pedestrian safety, through peer-reviewed journals and extensive media outreach. Her recent op-ed, “The most deadly traffic policy you’ve never heard of leaves you vulnerable, too,” drew widespread attention to a legal loophole in crosswalk laws and appeared in more than 50 news outlets nationwide, including USA Today .

“Dr. Hamann’s work is not only academically rigorous but also accessible and impactful to a

wide audience,” said Diane Rohlman, associate dean for research in the College of Public Health. “Her ability to communicate with clarity, creativity, and passion coupled with her extensive media outreach, exemplifies how she utilizes multiple approaches to address transportation challenges impacting society.”

Bob McMurray , F. Wendell Miller Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Caroline Clay , assistant professor of acting in the Department of Theatre Arts, were recipients of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Distinguished Mentor Awards . The awards honors mentors’ dedication to making their students research experiences successful.

“I can’t imagine my research journey without Bob’s welcoming kindness, thriving lab community, and confident mentorship, and I am so deeply grateful for his impact on me,” said Hannah Franke, a psychology and linguistics major mentored by McMurray.

“I know I am far from the only student whose life has been impacted by Caroline Clay,” said Isabella Hohenadel, a second-year theatre arts major. “She deserves to be recognized of all of the wonderful work she does and how much she cares about us as students. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition than her.”

Staff Awards

Angie Robertson , department administrator for CCOM’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, received the Distinguished Research Administrator Award . The award recognizes staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the UI by exploring funding opportunities, assisting in grant proposal preparation, submission, post-award administration, and operational support.

In addition to overseeing every aspect of daily operations for the department, Robertson manages nearly 100 research grants for the department and three longstanding NIH T32 training grants.

“Angie plays a leading role in our department office, inspiring us to achieve all aspects of our missions ,” said Li Wu, professor and department chair. “She is innovative, collaborative, accountable, and respectful in her daily work. She exceeds any expectations and sets a great example for staff members in the department.”

Min Zhu , research specialist in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research (IIOHR) within the College of Dentistry, received the Distinguished Research Professional Award . The award recognizes staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the UI by conducting experiments, collecting, and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with a laboratory or research program.

Zhu has worked as a lab bench scientist in the College of Dentistry since 2006, executing experimental work for grants and other research, working closely with IIOHR faculty members, overseeing lab maintenance and environmental health and safety efforts.

“Beyond her research skills, Dr. Zhu has been an exceptional mentor and educator for my students and other junior researchers,” said Liu Hong, professor of prosthodontics. “Her kindness and willingness to share her knowledge have made her a beloved figure among them.”

Curtis Iberg , manager of sterilization services in the College of Dentistry, received the Innovation in Safety Award, which celebrates exceptional and ground-breaking innovations that advance safety at the UI. Iberg led a major renovation of the College of Dentistry’s instrument processing and sterilization area, with the aim of encouraging better workflow and support for future growth.

“His innovations in workspace are a valuable asset to the greater University and demonstrates that the most important people to be involved in a space renovation are those that use the area because they can see how the facility can better function and how it can be designed for future needs,” said Kecia Leary, associate dean of clinics.