Two students from The University of Western Australia with a passion for a sustainable and greener future have been awarded Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships.

Fogarty Foundation Scholar Emma Bond, 21, from Doubleview, is studying a Master of Chemical Engineering with a focus on the hydrogen industry.

“Hydrogen is a strong candidate to help decarbonise hard-to-abate industries around the world and my study and research aims to address the technical challenges these sectors face,” Emma said.

“I am interested in how international dynamics are influencing the energy transition and hope to head to Germany to collaborate on technology development.”

PhD student Peter Panizza, 25, from Ascot, is studying Agricultural Science with the aim of improving farming practices.

“My research looks to overcome the challenges the sheep industry faces as a result of climate change and will ensure that the sheep industry remains sustainable into the future, ensuring food security and economic support for Australia,” Peter said.

The prestigious scholarships provide up to $120,000 of financial assistance and leadership development and recipients are encouraged to open up their mind to new experiences by going overseas for up to six months to study.

Both students said they were surprised but honoured to be awarded the scholarships.

“The Westpac Scholarship is an incredible opportunity to meet people pursuing a diverse range of passions and studies to make a difference in Australia,” Emma said.

Peter said he applied because Westpac provided incredible support and really cared about developing their scholars.

“The scholarship is going to give me a lot of freedom to focus on my research and provides the opportunity to travel around the world, learn from other industry leaders and develop skills I can then bring back to Australia,” Peter said.