QUT has partnered with the McCullough Robertson Foundation to establish the Michael Roche Scholarship to drive innovation in the areas of environment, sustainability or climate change within the resources and renewables sector.
Through its foundation, Queensland’s largest law firm, McCullough Robertson Lawyers, is committing $100,000 to establish and support the scholarship in 2022, with the first recipient to be announced later this year.
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research), Distinguished Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik, said the scholarship would help support new ideas and fresh leadership in the sector.
“The award highlights the desire for a just and equitable energy framework on behalf of the industry, its many stakeholders and the general public,” he said.
“Each scholarship recipient will be recognised for their insightful leadership and creative vision in originating concepts that will bring invaluable benefits to Queensland and beyond.”
McCullough Robertson Partner, Dominic McGann, said the firm created the scholarship to acknowledge and honour the substantial contribution of the late Michael Roche to Queensland’s resources and renewables industries.
Mr Roche served as a senior executive at the ASX, chief executive at the Queensland Resources Council, chief of staff to Labor Treasurer Keith de Lacy and, more recently, as a strategic adviser at McCullough Robertson.
“The Michael Roche Scholarship will provide a life-changing opportunity to its recipients, while preserving the incredible legacy of a man who gave so much to Queensland,” Mr McGann said.
The gift will enable QUT to award an annual $20,000 travel scholarship to a postgraduate student or research staff member who can demonstrate a passion for innovation and leading-edge thinking within the resources and renewables fields across disciplines including Science, Engineering, Business, Health, Law, Education or Creative Industries.
The scholarship is intended to cover domestic or international travel costs, enabling the recipient to attend or present at conferences, undertake crucial research, or conduct further study.
The Michael Roche scholarship was announced during the annual McCullough Robertson Resources and Renewables cocktail event in Brisbane yesterday.
