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Two science students from The University of Western Australia have won prestigious Wentworth Group Scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded for the first time this year by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, an independent group of eminent Australian scientists concerned with advancing solutions to secure the long-term health of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity.

UWA winners Sarah Arnold, 21, of Darlington, and Tas Thamo, 22, of West Perth, will use their scholarship win for direct mentoring with Wentworth Group scientists.

A total of 19 scholarships, funded by the Purves Environmental Trust and worth up to $10,000, were awarded to postgraduate and honours students from a range of natural and social sciences backgrounds nationally. Only four honours students were chosen nationally.

Sarah is working towards an Honours Degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics and said the scholarship win was a great honour.

“The main reason I applied for a scholarship was the opportunity to meet eminent scientists who work in the policy arena. I think I’ll get a great insight from them about how science can affect public policy and the decisions that are made by governments and industry,” she said.

Tas is an Earth and Geographical Science Honours student, who also sees his scholarship win as a great way to gain knowledge from some of the country’s top science minds. The scholarship will allow me to better translate the economics and science into public policy,” he said.

“My particular area of interest is better conservation of land, water and soil through improved agricultural practices.”

All students have also been invited to participate in a master class to be held over three days in Sydney in October.

The Wentworth Group wants the scholarship program to build capacity by mentoring and supporting young natural scientists and resource economists and develop their skills and understanding of public policy.

Media references

Simone Hewett / Francesca Robb 61 8 6488 7977
(UWA Public Affairs) 0420 790 097 / 0420 790 09