From over 6,000 applicants, around the world for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge Yaikhomba Mutum, Saloni Atal and Akhila Denduluri are the only three Indians who have been selected among 90 Gates Cambridge scholars.
The announcement regarding the same was made on Monday by the Cambridge university. The 90 scholars, including 35 from the US, together represent 34 nationalities.
More about the threesome:
- Yaikhomba will study Ph.D. Biological Science at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, looking at the mechanism of active proton transport in Complex I, an enzyme involved in making energy-rich ATP molecules.
- Akhila's Ph.D. research in chemistry will focus on developing biophysical tools to better understand and elucidate the protein chemistry and associated toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases
- Saloni will pursue Ph.D. in psychology, exploring innovative and culturally appropriate solutions to tackle the problem of gaps in access to mental healthcare in India. In partnership with local non-profit organizations, her Ph.D. will assess the impact and feasibility of training non-specialists, particularly community health workers, to support the mental health needs of slum-dwelling women.
About the scholarship:
- The prestigious scholarships were awarded to 50 women and 40 men from a wide range of backgrounds.
- A total of 41 students will pursue a Master's degree and 49 will pursue PhDs.
- The scholarship is awarded to academically meritorious students who are likely to be transformative leaders across all fields.
- Bill Gates, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said: "Gates Cambridge Scholars come from all over the world, but they have some important things in common: great leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others and an unparalleled passion for learning."
Also read: The School of Psychology Offers Post Graduate Scholarship
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Story first published: Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 12:11 [IST]