I am Nel, a second-year biologist, particularly fascinated by learning about new conservation-based initiatives and sustainability campaigns. I am passionate about sharing my love for the natural world with others and strive to make widespread change in attitude and action to bring about a more environmentally caring future.

I am originally from East Devon where I attended the local state school, and it is through an Oxford outreach programme paired with my school that I first became aware of the idea of applying here. My curiosity for biology stemmed from a childhood in the countryside and near the beach. I feel a strong desire to protect the many ecosystems surrounding us and maintain an enthusiastic presence in my communities to inspire others to feel the same.

I am an Environment and Ethics Officer for our college JCR and the events committee member for the Oxford Ornithological Society. Through these roles alongside a general involvement within student societies and university opportunities I aim to share my love of wildlife with others. In the future, I wish to continue to volunteer locally whilst hopefully working in charity or government-based roles to be a part of national efforts to protect our planet.

I was born in London and attended Queen Elizabeth’s School, a state grammar school in Barnet. From a young age, I was fascinated by the logical framework that science provides in helping to explain the things we see and experience. Chemistry stood out to me due to the unique insight it offers into the substances and processes that shape our world. What intrigues me most is that chemistry isn’t just about explaining things; it gives us the tools that lead to meaningful change. By understanding the behaviour and interactions of molecules, scientists can develop new materials, invent life-saving drugs, and find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Thatcher Undergraduate Scholarship, and I hope to make the most of the many opportunities that it will give me. I believe that it will play a valuable role in shaping both my personal growth and professional ambitions, and I aspire to use this experience not only for my own development but also to make a positive impact on others.

Outside of my studies, I am an active member of the Oxford Tamil Society, where I get to celebrate and connect with my Sri Lankan Tamil heritage.

I am a second-year historian with particular interest in cultural and imperial histories from the eighteenth century onwards. I grew up in Exeter and attended my local grammar school, where I fell in love with analysing literature, and in particular what it can tell us about how people in the past have seen themselves and the world around them.

I am involved in Oxford’s student journalism scene and enjoy writing long-form pieces on everything from the relationship between #Oxfess and Donald Trump’s election, to whether the publishing industry is going into decline. I am particularly passionate about educational access, and so enjoy volunteering as a Somerville Ambassador in my free time.

Outside of my degree I enjoy wild swimming, going for long, meandering walks, and trying out new art styles. I hope to pursue a career in either journalism or academia in the future, and am immensely grateful to the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust and Michael Bishop Foundation for providing me an opportunity to turn those desires into reality.

Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
BA French and Linguistics

I grew up in West Cornwall, where I first discovered my passion for languages in French class. Seeing the way cognates were pronounced so differently across the two languages led me to historical linguistics and phonetics, which remain two of my favourite subfields to this day.

I also love French literature, and how it lets me explore questions about language and society through a different lens. Coming to Oxford has expanded my conception of the diversity of the world’s languages, and my goal now is to become a linguist working on endangered or marginalised languages.

I am so grateful to receive this scholarship, as it will allow me to pursue further study. I look forward to making the most of this life-changing opportunity.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Socio-Legal Studies

I am a first-year DPhil student in Socio-Legal Studies at the Faculty of Law, University of Oxford. I am originally from a small city in El-Gezira State, east central Sudan. Having lived in Qatar for the past few years, my interest in family law research began when I encountered many questions about how expatriate families navigate family legal systems.

In searching for answers, I found that socio-legal and ethnographic studies in this area were very limited. This gap led me to pursue a first-of-its-kind study on family law during my Master’s, where I explored the intersection between law, society, and lived experience through an ethnographic lens. My current research expands on that work and aims to advance socio-legal scholarship on family law and women’s studies in Qatar and the wider Muslim world.

I did my Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Law and Theology at Jabra Academic College in Khartoum, where I graduated with First Class Honours, received the Best Academic Performance Award, and was on the Dean’s List. I worked there as a teaching assistant and gained valuable teaching experience. Later, I completed my master’s degree at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar through a Qatar Foundation scholarship. I received the Outstanding Thesis Award and worked as a research assistant on the Family Law Project. I have presented my research in several conferences and summits and gave talks including a talk in Georgetown University in Qatar.

Thanks to the Oxford-Qatar Thatcher Scholarship, I am now able to continue my path in academia at Oxford. Outside academia, I enjoy public speaking, debate, and leadership and empowerment programs for women and youth. I am also the Co-founder of Al-Risala Charity. Coming from small suburb in Sudan, where

I had to carve my own path toward education despite war, economic restraints and limited social support for social sciences, I feel committed to helping the next generation access quality education. This is the vision behind Al-Risala. Although its work was disrupted because of the war, I plan to use my time at Oxford to build the skills and connections needed to revive the organisation and support education in Sudan and other countries affected by conflicts.

I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia before moving to the United States to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During my time there, I worked as a teaching assistant and conducted research at the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research. I particularly enjoyed studying the intricacies of cellular processes and their physiological impact on whole organisms. This interest led me to pursue a Master’s in Biosciences at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

My thesis project in translational neuroscience deepened my commitment to investigating the mechanisms underlying human neurological diseases. Through my DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford, I aim to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases and contribute to testing the therapeutic potential of novel interventions to improve human health.

Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, running, and playing football, and I’m looking forward to joining several Somerville societies. I’m grateful for the support of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust for enabling me to continue my research and be a part of the Somerville community

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Philosophy

I am a DPhil Student in Philosophy at Somerville College. I first came to Oxford in 2023 as an Ancient Philosophy MSt student at Balliol College. Prior to that, I completed both a BA in philosophy at Bard College (2020) and an MA in philosophy at Tufts University (2023). Generally speaking, I am interested in how thinkers in several ancient philosophical traditions conceived of three closely related concepts: decision, voluntariness, and responsibility. The aim of my doctoral thesis will be to explain what unifies the many different roles Aristotle attributes to decision (prohairesis) across his ethical corpus.

I am accompanied in my transatlantic travels by my small dog Milly, who is an endless source of joy. If I am not at my desk, I can likely be found walking her in Port Meadow or singing with the Somerville choir.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Music

 I discovered a deep love and curiosity for musicology during my undergraduate degree at Christ Church, Oxford, where I graduated with a First and was awarded the Clifford Smith Prize and the Dixon Scholarship. I went on to complete my Master’s degree at Christ Church, and since then have worked as a music teacher in both the independent and state sectors, where I developed a strong passion for education.

My research explores the relationship between music and identity, with a particular focus on how communities use music to define themselves. In 2019, I conducted fieldwork in the Annapurna region of Nepal, hiking through Gurung communities and documenting how they use music to shape local identities. This experience sparked my lasting interest in fieldwork. My DPhil will investigate how the Polish diaspora in England uses music to draw generational boundaries within this community, and how such boundary-making practices impact the wider British cultural sphere.

While music has the power to bring people together, it can also divide, exclude, and other; consequences that can be deeply significant. Outside of my academic work, I can often be found hiking up mountains or kayaking across lakes with my dog, accompanied, of course, by an esoteric folk soundtrack. I am grateful to the MTST and to Oxford for the opportunity to continue my research.

Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Condensed Matter Physics

Born to a Bangladeshi family and growing up in Saudi Arabia, the amalgamation of two cultures defined my identity and made clear the importance of education to me. I was fortunate enough to find myself in an environment where I was encouraged to actively cultivate my interests whatever it may be. It was not long before I found myself drawn to mathematics and questions about the physical world. This eventually led me to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge where I first realized that while physics often focuses on fundamental laws, it is equally important to explore the diversity of phenomena that arise from more complex correlated systems.

During the DPhil I hope to continue to explore novel electronic phases like superconductivity in strongly correlated materials. In the Quantum Matter group my research will focus on the experimental stability of such phases when external parameters such as temperature and pressure are changed, aiming to shed some light on the mechanisms that lead to superconductivity in these materials.

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing table tennis and am an avid runner, activities that help me maintain a balanced life. I am honoured to receive this scholarship and am excited to further my research into superconductivity, with the ultimate goal of contributing to advancements in quantum materials.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Economics (2021)

I am a DPhil student in Economics at Somerville. I am interested in topics in environmental economics, public economics and political economy. I am especially interested in finding ways to bring science and our knowledge of climate change into economic models. I also explore how to economically incentivize firms and individuals to tackle climate change. For instance, I would like to work on carbon taxation, both in terms of its design and its political feasibility.

Prior to joining the University of Oxford, I studied mathematics, physics and engineering at the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées, an engineering school in France. I then moved to the UK to attend the London School of Economics, graduating with a Master of Public Administration. I also worked in the private sector (in green finance and securitisation at Crédit Agricole) and public sector (at the French Embassy in Germany and the European Central Bank), and in academic research (at the LSE).

I am really grateful to have been awarded the Thatcher Scholarship, without which coming to Oxford would have been impossible. Being at Somerville, where brilliant people with very different backgrounds and research interests meet and exchange ideas, is extremely inspiring and motivates me to bring together my scientific, economic and policymaking skills in the hope that my work will make a difference.

Aside from economics, I enjoy horse riding, playing the piano, baking and learning new languages. I speak French, German and am currently teaching myself Persian. I also enjoy cycling around Oxfordshire and admiring the beautiful countryside.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil International Relations (2021)

Born and raised in Morocco, my interest in politics and international relations developed early, driven by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the social issues underpinning uprisings and revolutions throughout the Arab world. Over time, my interests matured to focus on the interrelation between human development and security in complex humanitarian emergencies, focusing particularly on health insecurity in conflicts. Following an MPhil thesis dedicated to the right to health in Syria at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, I have continued to research topics related to health security and asymmetric warfare in Africa and the Middle East at the Policy Center for New South. 

My DPhil in International Relations at Oxford represents an opportunity to further explore the weaponisation of health in Syria post-2011 and its impact on regional human security. This project hopes to help inform the changing nature of warfare and violence in the country, as well as the morphing forms of multifaceted insecurity by highlighting the interlinkages between political, socio-economic, and health vulnerabilities. Outside of me studies, you can often find me enjoying Arab and French literature, immersing herself in various musical genres (including, but not limited to, rap), volunteering with local NGOs, and travelling to pursue her self-discovery path. 

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering

Mounir comes from a lovely small city on the east coast of the Mediterranean: Saida, Lebanon. At high school, Mounir has been interested in exploring and taking challenges. He received a full scholarship to study at the American University of Beirut (AUB) from the National Council for Scientific Research, after being ranked third across Lebanon in the official baccalaureate exams in 2019. Mounir received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering – Design, Materials, and Manufacturing track (with high distinction, ranked 1st) along with a minor degree in Arabic and Near Eastern Languages. His interest in language goes far to the study of classical texts in the early Arabic Grammar and Lexicography. He is also interested in reading folk literature.

During his education at AUB, Mounir participated in departmental research work as well as extracurricular activities. He has worked with the Insight Club AUB to construct a supportive community to university students by balancing between physical intellectual and spiritual needs. Mounir is interested in the field of solid mechanics and mechanics of composite materials. He has done research related to mechanics of round geometries and contact mechanics, failure of dendritic chains in rechargeable batteries, recycling and mechanical characterization of carbon fibre reinforced polymers, and has published in reputable journals. His final year project was to design and fabricate a microfluidic transistor, which was awarded the most innovative project in the faculty.

Mounir aims to apply his experience to Metal Organic Framework Materials (MOFs) in studying their mechanical properties and their composites in polymer matrices and different geometries. This includes exploring the time dependent properties of MOFs and composites at different length scales. In addition, the fracture of MOFs and their toughness is of interest for designing damage-tolerant structures for energy absorption applications.

Beyond engineering, Mounir is interested in walking and in reading classical literature.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics

With the support of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust at Somerville college, I am a first year DPhil student in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in the Wade-Martins research group, the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration. I grew up in Hong Kong, where my mother and father had both immigrated from the Philippines and UK respectively. I have always been fascinated by science, and I was drawn into the exciting and rapidly developing field of neuroscience, which poses the complex combined issues of unmet clinical need, and unanswered physiological questions.

Having completed my Undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, and since worked as a research assistant in the Wade-Martins research group for two years, my enthusiasm for neuroscience has only grown in the past six years. I am tremendously excited to start my DPhil project, where thanks to the generous support of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust I now have the opportunity to further my career towards independent research in neurodegenerative disease. My research will revolve around understanding the genetic risk factors of Parkinson’s disease, combining the approaches of image-based cell profiling and proteomics in a CRISPR-based genetic screen using stem-cell derived neurons.

Outside of my research I enjoy baking and reading Modern Japanese literature, where working in a large research group falls in my favour, as there are plenty of hungry scientists happy to enjoy my leftover bakes! I am extremely grateful to be chosen as a Thatcher scholar, which allows me the opportunity to continue my research, where I hope will be able to contribute to the wider academic field and reveal therapeutic opportunities to benefit patients.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil MML

I’m a DPhil student working on eighteenth-century French theatre. I attended a state school in West Yorkshire, and first came to Oxford in 2019 for a BA in French and German at Lincoln College. My undergraduate dissertation on Voltaire’s theatrical paratexts won the Gerard Davis Prize in 2023.

After graduating, I stayed on for the Modern Languages MSt, my dissertation focusing on the role of Voltaire’s printed theatre in his écrasez l’infâme campaign.

My doctoral thesis will examine how the dramatic form was used in print to engage in religious controversy; I am very grateful to Oxford and the MTST for the opportunity to pursue this research. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy running, reading, playing piano, and spending time with friends. 

Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
BA Music

I grew up in Bromley, south-east London. I was first given the opportunity to explore music through Bromley Youth Music Trust, where I began playing the oboe at 8 years old. Beyond basic music theory I did not begin to discover musicology until sixth form, where I was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged and supported my application to Oxford.

In my academics, performing, and listening, I find myself most drawn to twentieth-century music, from Shostakovich and Stravinsky to David Bowie and Brian Eno. Music has been an endless source of fascination for me since I first heard Michael Jackson’s ‘History’ album in 2009, and studying at Oxford has given me tools for understanding it that I did not previously even know existed. The broadness of the field of musicology as well as the course at Oxford has influenced not only my perspective on music but on the world around me, introducing me to wider themes and debates in philosophy, history, sociology, and more.

Alongside my degree I enjoy reading, learning about history, and playing in orchestras. I am also on the committee for ‘It Happens Here’, Oxford SU’s anti-sexual violence campaign. Coming to Oxford has changed the course of my life, and I am so grateful to Somerville, the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust, and the Michael Bishop Foundation for this life-changing opportunity.

Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholar
MPhys Physics

Hello! I’m Milton from Singapore, studying Physics. I’ve been fascinated by it since I was young, being initially captivated by the marvels of astronomy, before gradually learning to love all facets of the subject. Physics’ explanatory and predictive powers have done so much for humanity, and continue to hold promise for addressing the problems we face today.

I hope to use the first few years of my degree to explore my interests in greater detail, with an eye towards potentially studying atmospheric and oceanic physics, so as to help in the fight against climate change. I’m so excited to begin my studies at Somerville College! My time here thus far has been wonderful, with the friendliness of my peers and the diversity of the student body putting me at ease almost from the moment I arrived. I look forward to continuing myinterests in photography and birdwatching here, as well as exploring the various clubs and societies in Oxford – I might pick up a sport or two!

I am so, so grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by the Lee Kuan Yew–Thatcher Scholarship. It’s a great honour, and I will make the most of my time here to grow and develop as a person and a physicist.

Ann and Giles Currie Thatcher Scholar
MBiochem Biochemistry

Luca is a lad who grew up and went to a local state grammar school on the Wirral. Loving science throughout his time at school, studying Biochemistry was a natural choice. Throughout his time at Oxford, he has not only fit right into life at college but also ranked first in his year after his First Preliminary Examinations. In the future, he looks to pursue a career in cancer and disease research, tackling big problems at the forefront of science.

Away from his studies, Luca trains in the gym, runs and plays Ultimate Frisbee. He is also a keen mountain biker and scuba diver; someone who always enjoys exploring the unknown. As a Northerner, Luca has felt welcomed at Somerville and attributes this to the diverse range of people he has met in college.

Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholar
MEng Engineering

I was born and raised in Singapore, a country where innovation is used as a means to overcome our inherent constraints. Growing up, I realised my interest in problem-solving, particularly in the fields of math and physics. Over time, the reason behind my interests became clear – I wanted to design solutions within a framework of constraints and challenges. This desire is what excites me as I begin my Engineering Science degree at Somerville.

Given the structure of my degree, I am looking forward to learning about the different pillars of engineering and how they complement each other. I am particularly excited to explore various fields within engineering, with a potential interest in specialising in information engineering, where technology and data converge to create innovative solutions.

As I begin my degree, I am eager to meet new people and get involved in the various clubs that Oxford has to offer. I am incredibly grateful for the Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholarship, which has given me this remarkable opportunity. I look forward to making the most of my time at Oxford and applying what I learn to contribute positively wherever I go.

Clarendon Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary (AOP) Physics (2022)

My research focuses on better understanding the chemistry and dynamics of atmospheres on planets outside the solar system. These are complex environments that we can only indirectly measure, so having a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved is important for accurate characterisations. More specifically, I have developed cutting edge computer models to account for some interactions between a star and its planets. This is particularly relevant following the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and all of the exciting data it will bring us.

Working within the astrophysics department during my masters allowed me to be involved with the questions and people on the forefront of this field and make critical connections within the astrophysics community. My fortunate position within the Atmospheric Physics department here in Oxford provides me with the opportunity to learn more about this rapidly growing field, and make my own contributions while working alongside world leading experts. I have every intent of staying within this wonderful community in the future, and making the most of my time at Oxford.

I enjoy rock climbing in my free time. Approaching each climb is like solving a puzzle – not dissimilar to some problems in physics, with their own crux – which often requires significant thought to solve most optimally, and provides a unique sense of accomplishment once you reach the final hold. I am grateful for the opportunities made available to me thanks to the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship.

Margaret Thatcher Scholar
BA Medicine

My name is Sarafina and I am a current second-year medical student. After moving to the UK during secondary school, I attended a comprehensive state school but the lack of resources along with my family not having much knowledge of the higher education system meant that much of my support during the university application process came from access initiatives. I am now so glad to be studying Medicine at Oxford, where excellent teaching of the sciences underpinning Medicine will form the framework of my later clinical work.

As a medical student, one of my main ambitions is to directly contribute to the health management of the patients I will meet as a future clinician. With the support of the scholarship, I also hope to get involved in public health initiatives even prior to practising, as well as to explore my academic interests in global health and oncology through research projects and programmes.

During my time at Oxford, I have loved volunteering as a Somerville ambassador at outreach events; it feels great to help demystify higher education for other students and to support them in their application journey. I also volunteer with the social enterprise Generation Medics, which helps to widen access into healthcare for people from underrepresented backgrounds with the aim of diversifying future healthcare staff.

Outside of my academic and outreach interests, I also enjoy playing Netball to relax and remain active. Alternatively, you can also find me in the kitchen attempting to bake! I am thankful to have been chosen as a Thatcher Scholar, as it will allow me to explore my academic interests and make an impact through my work as a future clinician. I hope to make the most of this amazing opportunity! 

Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
BA History

I am a second-year historian, with a particular interest in the histories of women, gender and sexuality. I am also passionate about interdisciplinary work, and hope to promote close connections between historian, archaeologists, linguists, sociologists and anthropologists in the future. 

I grew up in Hertfordshire, and lived close enough to London to attend school there, attending a state school for secondary school and a grammar school, The Henrietta Barnett school, in sixth form. My love of history grew out of interest in my family history – a lot of this was lost when my family fled Germany in the late 1930s, and I have always felt strongly about recovering the histories of marginalised communities because of this. 

I am also the LGBTQ+ Officer for the Somerville JCR, and am involved in many student societies and student newspapers around Oxford. I hope to pursue a career in academia if my dissertation is strong enough: I believe that there is still much to be done within the fields of gender and sexuality, and I hope to be a part of that. 

Clarendon Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Atomic and Laser Physics (2022)

I was born and raised in Italy, in a small town among the hills of central Sicily. My passion for physics started during high school, when I was fascinated by the elegance and precision with which it allows us to understand a world that is always more complex and unpredictable. It was precisely the desire to tackle this complexity that led me, after obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Catania, to undertake an International Master’s degree in Physics of Complex Systems, a two year-long double degree programme based one year in Italy and one year in France, that earned me the Italian Master’s degree at Politecnico di Torino, and the French M2 degree at Université de Paris.

One of the most important things I’ve learned from Complex Systems is that information processing is one of the best ways to face highly correlated physical systems and that’s why I’m mostly interested in Quantum Information Theory, which will be the main subject of my DPhil. I will be studying the information-theoretic foundations of systems made of a subsystem that fully obeys quantum theory interacting with a macroscopic component with lots of degrees of freedom (a complex system, in fact), focusing on biological entities.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and table tennis, watching motorsport, especially Formula 1 (avid Ferrari fan!), movies and TV shows, and reading books and manga. I am also interested in history, particularly the history and traditions of European and United Kingdom monarchies.

I’m extremely honoured to have been awarded this prestigious scholarship, from which I hope to make the most of my studies and career thanks to the community of brilliant fellow Thatcher scholars and Somervillians!

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering

I am originally from Sheffield, where I attended my local state school. From there, I moved to Bristol and pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering, ultimately graduating in 2023 with a Master’s in Engineering with honours. Additionally, I received the Bechtel Industrial Individual Prize in recognition of my exceptional performance during the degree program. 

During my time at Bristol, I had the opportunity to engage in various cross-disciplinary research projects. These projects encompassed tasks such as designing cooling pipes for nuclear fusion reactors using computational fluid dynamic modelling, conducting experiments with 3D printers to develop cost-effective methodologies for microfluidic devices, and creating analogue models to measure ground deformation in volcanic regions. 

These projects all allowed me to specialize in fluid dynamic modelling, which serves as the primary focus of my research at Oxford. Specifically, my research involves modelling the fluid dynamic interaction within offshore wind and tidal turbine clusters. The goal is to enhance the realism of computational models and gain insights into the optimal cluster arrangements that maximize energy production efficiency. 

Outside of my academic pursuits, I am an avid runner and climber, particularly in the Peak District, where I am from. Additionally, I find enjoyment in playing the French Horn and have the privilege of participating in multiple orchestras.

Margaret Thatcher Scholar
MChem Chemistry

I’m a second year Chemistry Undergraduate, born and raised in London. Chemistry is a subject which underpins all aspects of our day to day lives, so much so that it is often overlooked. This all-encompassing aspect is what drew me to want to study chemistry, and I hope that in my future I too will be able to contribute positively to the world through chemistry.

I believe, given the mass of knowledge humanity has accrued through collaboration, that it would be irresponsible to not strive towards goals which benefit humanity as a whole, and I think chemistry plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. I’m very honoured to be in receipt of this scholarship, and hope that it will help me in achieving these aims.

My current academic interests lie within Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, however, throughout my degree I hope to discover more areas of intrigue as the subject constantly evolves. Aside from academics I play football and basketball and am also a self-taught pianist. I regularly attend music and sporting events within Oxford

Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
MPhys Physics

I am a second year Physics student. I have always been interested in Physics. Of particular interest are models to predict formation of structure within the universe and quantum mechanics.

I hope that the next years of my degree will focus my scope further as well as expand my knowledge of the subject. It is my ambition to spend my life researching Theoretical Physics, thereby improving the world we live in. 

After the results of my Prelims, I was invited to join the Dyson Fellowship Programme, designed to accelerate a subset of physics students in the University towards research in Theoretical Physics. This small group meets twice weekly and I am enjoying the challenge of pushing my knowledge of Physics further. I also row and enjoy rowing for Somerville.

I am very thankful to Lord Glendonbrook for the opportunity to be a scholar, enabling me to develop my knowledge and to develop as a person. I hope that this scholarship will enable me to achieve excellence in the future.

Ng Teng Fong – Thatcher Scholar
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2022)

My name is Xiya Yu, a first year PPE student in Somerville College. Social sciences have always been my passion, and I am truly grateful for being able to study my favourite subjects here with the support from MTST. I grew up in Hunan, a province in South Central China.

Since I was a kid, I have always been interested in reading and thinking. My enthusiasm for social sciences continued to grow in high school as I joined the school debate team and Model United Nations. Therefore, studying the three different yet internally related subjects is definitely the most exciting thing for me entering university, since I can listen to past thinkers in depth through reading, communicate ideas with extraordinary teachers and like-minded fellows, and explore the problems that have long been haunting my mind. Throughout my three-year study here, I hope to improve academic and critical thinking skills, which I believe would be invaluable for my future career and lifelong development.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Law

I am a first year DPhil student in the Faculty of Law. My thesis will explore how intellectual property laws influence biases in medical AI. Before joining Somerville College, I studied an MPhil in the Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms at the University of Cambridge (2023-24) and an undergraduate law degree at LSE (2020-23). My other research interests include: NDAs, AI literacy, the opioid epidemic, digital health, and medical ethics. 

Alongside my studies, I am a Lead at Better Images of AI – a non-profit organisation working to improve the representation and diversity of images of AI. I am also on the committee for multiple student societies, including Ethics in Mathematics, AI in Medicine, and AI Ethics. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, puzzling, pickleball, and brush lettering. 

I am grateful to be awarded this scholarship from MTST. I hope to use this privilege to contribute research that promotes the equitable and inclusive development of AI in healthcare. 

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering (2022)

My name is Sawsan and I’m a first year DPhil student at Somerville. I grew up in

Tripoli, a beautiful city in north Lebanon. Since I was a child, I always aimed to be the first in my class and I was eager to learn. With hard work and my parents’ encouragement, I succeeded to be one of the top five students in Lebanon with the highest scores in the official Lebanese baccalaureate and received the CNRS scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at the Lebanese American University (LAU).

During my years at LAU, I explored many fields and I was particularly interested in communications systems. My passion to research started when I worked as a Research Assistant with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at LAU and my love to research allowed me to pursue a Masters’ degree in Communications Engineering. I finished my Masters’ degree in June 2022 and now I’m ready to further expand my knowledge through a DPhil degree.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking and playing volley ball with my siblings and cousins. In addition, extra-curricular activities include the memberships to the IEEE club and the Artificial intelligence club. I was involved in different collaborative activities organized by these two clubs including tutoring sessions, introductory sessions to programming and artificial intelligence and research directing sessions to present research work to younger university students. Moreover, I volunteered to assist faculty members at LAU in proctoring students during exams and teaching the Control Systems laboratory course during the Fall 2021 semester. I am honoured to be in receipt of this scholarship and I am looking forward to the great opportunities that it offers me in the next years.

I am a third-year chemist, born and raised in London where I attended a state school. I have always enjoyed chemistry, but never considered applying to Oxford, as it did not seem attainable. With the encouragement and support from my Chemistry teacher at school, I applied. I was still so adamant I would not get in; I did not open my decision letter for two weeks! To now be awarded the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship, I am truly honoured and grateful for all the opportunities it has given me.

Alongside my degree, I am a passionate participant in many of the access and outreach schemes run by the university, as I was on the receiving end of many when I was applying to university. I believe it is important to use the opportunity I have been given to help others in marginalised groups realise and achieve their potential by encouraging them to apply to Oxford.

I have particular interests in how chemistry underpins biology, especially in how we can use analytical techniques to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of degenerative diseases, to help develop potential therapeutic drugs. Currently, I am navigating my options after graduating and the potential of doing a PhD or becoming a patent attorney, as they have a vital role in protecting cutting edge science.