Welcome to the 2026 UWA Fogarty Scholars

This week, we welcomed the 2026 UWA Fogarty Scholars to our community. This group of 12 young people from across the state embody the work the Foundation strive for in empowering, extending, and creating opportunities for high-potential young people who demonstrate ambition and curiosity.

We are excited to welcome the 2026 UWA Fogarty Scholar Cohort:

• Jakob Akhlil - Christ Church Grammar School studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
• Ruby Bell - Presbyterian Ladies’ College studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with an Assured Pathway to Juris Doctor
• Colin Ferreira - Great Southern Grammar studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
• Anaia Kakulas - Methodist Ladies' College studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) with an Assured Pathway to the Doctor of Medicine
• Daisy Laginha - Carine Senior High School studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
• William Lewis - Christ Church Grammar School studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) with an Assured Pathway to the Doctor of Medicine
• Cohen Beveridge  - Willetton Senior High School studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
• Anna Mackie - St Mary's Anglican Girls' School studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
• Laura Panetta - Bob Hawke College studying a Bachelor of Arts with an Assured Pathway to Juris Doctor
• Joshua Patrick - Northam Senior High School studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) with an Assured Pathway to Doctor of Medicine
• Charlotte Swann - Methodist Ladies' College studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
• Maxwell Wright - Mount Barker Community College studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with an Assured Pathway to Juris Doctor 

Through initiatives such as the UWA Fogarty Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Program, which has been running for over 20 years, the Foundation is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders. By identifying and nurturing exceptional talent, we connect students with powerful networks, rich learning experiences and opportunities that broaden their perspective and strengthen their capabilities. In doing so, we help them build not only successful futures for themselves, but also the confidence and capacity to contribute to Western Australia’s social and economic growth.

As part of their journey, the Scholars will participate in Fogarty Ripple, our world-class leadership program. Designed to foster global awareness, technological insight and a strong commitment to positive change, the program equips young leaders with the vision and momentum needed to navigate an evolving world. For leadership in Western Australia to remain innovative, resilient and forward-looking, it is vital that young people’s ideas and energy are recognised and embraced; their voices now and in the future will help shape policy, influence progress and drive meaningful change across our communities. By investing in their growth today, we are strengthening the foundations for a more dynamic, inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.

We are excited for the year ahead, working with these students alongside our existing Scholar cohort and connecting them more broadly to our Alumni community. You can keep up to date with our work via our website, where you can learn more about our initiatives, programs and the impact we are creating in Western Australia. You can also see our full Scholars Directory by clocking this link.