Announcing the David Cooper Scholarship

News | Published on 06 Sep 2021

A new PhD scholarship to train the next generation of infectious disease researchers has been announced in acknowledgement of the Kirby Institute’s inaugural Director, the late Professor David Cooper.

The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney is pleased to announce the establishment of the David Cooper Scholarship, to acknowledge the late Professor David Cooper, who died in 2018. Upon his passing, a network of generous donors contributed funds to the David Cooper Memorial Fund with the commitment to continue David’s legacy of health access for all. The David Cooper Scholarship is the first initiative supported by the Memorial Fund. It will be awarded to an outstanding domestic recipient to complete a PhD in infectious disease research in one of the range of the Kirby Institute’s research disciplines. 

“David was firmly committed to mentoring and supporting future generations of infectious disease researchers,” says Kirby Institute Director Professor Anthony Kelleher. “The strength of David’s legacy and the generosity of our community will give a talented individual the opportunity to be mentored and trained at the Kirby Institute, which is rich with knowledge and expertise across the full spectrum of infectious disease research.”

David Cooper led the Kirby Institute from its inception in 1986, right up until his passing in 2018. He was an internationally renowned scientific leader, initiating groundbreaking, collaborative infectious disease research that has saved countless lives in Australia, and around the world. Throughout his career, he supervised dozens of graduate who went on to be highly influential leaders in a range of infectious disease areas. 

“We are sincerely grateful to our generous supporters for making the David Cooper Scholarship possible. The Kirby Institute’s PhD program continues to grow, and we look forward to welcoming the new candidate in 2022,” says Prof. Kelleher. “Having been supervised by David myself, I know that he would be extremely proud to have a scholarship established in his name. He was a staunch advocate for knowledge sharing, bringing on the next generation, and this will provide an important avenue to continue his vision.”

About the David Cooper Scholarship
The David Cooper Scholarship is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens holding the relevant visa. 

The scholarship comprises:
- An annual stipend for a maximum of 4 years
- A career development fund allocation to support conference participation and other career development opportunities
- Access to a comprehensive Research Training and Career Development program
- A 6-month (2 terms) integrated internship with an Academic Unit or Industry Partner

Successful candidates will be admitted to the UNSW PhD Program in one of the 3 terms of 2022.

For more information and to apply for the David Cooper Scholarship, click here.