Last week, the Fogarty Foundation brought the spirit of curiosity and connection to life at its annual InspirED event, held at the University of Western Australia (UWA). The gathering honoured the journeys and achievements of the graduating UWA Fogarty Scholars and explored how curiosity continues to shape their futures as they transition into the Alumni community.

Mariya Faisal, Vice President of the Fogarty Scholars Association (FSA), opened the evening with an update on FSA activities. She emphasised the importance of connection among Scholars, highlighting the group’s ongoing efforts to support one another beyond graduation. Professor Tim Colmer and Caitlyn Fogarty followed, reflecting on the successes of 2024 and expressing heartfelt gratitude to outgoing CEO Megan Enders for her transformative contributions to the Foundation’s mission.

Fogarty alumnus Justin Kruger captivated the audience with insights from his work with NASA, igniting their curiosity about the future of space exploration. He highlighted how advancements in the field are unlocking exciting opportunities for Western Australia and beyond. “I truly believe Australia will play a critical role in the future of space-based research and innovation,” Justin said, emphasising that the work happening in WA offers a unique platform to explore the cosmos and push the boundaries of discovery.

Indyana Chambers-Galloway, a fellow Fogarty alum, built on this theme in her talk about life after graduation. Drawing on her postgraduate journey at ANU, Indyana reflected on how curiosity shaped her path from Scholar to alumni. “Curiosity is a continuous theme in my life,” she noted. “It’s a mindset—one that helps us navigate opportunities, connect with others, and embrace continued learning.”

The presentation of the Jeremy Cheang Award was a moment to celebrate two Scholars exemplifying this spirit. Caitlyn announced the 2024 winners, Matthew Vinci and Matteo Conte, for their efforts to expand the Fogarty Futures Conference in 2025. The 2023 recipient, Shantelle Jeyakumar, was also recognised for her achievements, reminding the audience of how innovation grows from staying curious and committed to improvement.

As the spotlight turned to the graduating Scholars, Professor Colmer presented their certificates. Among them, Caitlin Staer, Haseeb Riaz, and Jason Lu addressed the audience, sharing how connection defined their journeys through the program.

A standout moment of the evening was the debut of the Educator of Influence Award, honouring teachers who sparked curiosity and fostered a love of learning. This year’s recipients—Robyn Cleaver, Jon Lamotte, Jon Harrison, and TJ Steenekamp—were celebrated for their profound impact on the Scholars’ growth. These educators were recognised for going above and beyond to support students, seeing their potential and nurturing it every step of the way. Their encouragement and guidance have played a pivotal role in shaping these students' journeys, and the award served as recognition for their lasting influence.

InspirED 2024 was a celebration of individual achievements, but a reminder of the importance of nurturing future leaders. As these graduates step into new roles and challenges, they carry forward the values of curiosity and connection—qualities that will not only shape their own lives but also the communities they serve.

With a growing alumni network and exciting initiatives on the horizon, the Fogarty Foundation looks forward to supporting its Scholars on their lifelong journeys of learning, exploration, and meaningful contribution to society.

Learn more about our scholars and alumni here!

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