Rhodes honour for young scientist

HELPING to feed the world is one of the ambitions of Tasmania’s 2020 Rhodes Scholar.

Oliver Gales, 22, an honours student in agricultural science at the University of Tasmania, will use his scholarship to study a master’s degree in Development Studies at the University of Oxford.

Mr Gales’ honours research has focused on applying new technologies to improve food production systems, and had furthered his interest in tackling disadvantage through sustainable agricultural development.

“The Rhodes scholarship is an amazing platform from which to contribute to food security in developing countries,” Mr Gales said.

“Oxford offers a unique international insight and inroads into efforts to improve international development. It is a huge honour and privilege to be awarded the Rhodes scholarship which has such an amazing legacy.”

The Rhodes scholarship was recently presented at Government House by Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner.

The other Tasmanian finalists were Bachelor of Social Science graduate Charlotte Jones and Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Economics graduate Nikolai Sakov.

Another Tasmanian candidate, creative artist Bella Dower, was selected to travel to Canberra to be considered for the Australia-at-large Rhodes scholarship round in early December.

Established in 1903, the Rhodes scholarship aims to nurture public-spirited leaders for the future.