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Doherty Institute PhD student Sarah Sandford has been recognised for her efforts in empowering young LGBTIQ+ Australians to achieve their full potential with a Pinnacle Foundation scholarship.

Sarah won the Maurice Joyce Scholarship, specifically for students studying in the fields of science or mathematics.

The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational and vocational support to young adults across Australia where their gender identity, sexual orientation or sexual characteristics have prevented or hindered achievement of their career aspirations or personal development.

It awards scholarships  to students aged between 17 and 26 to study at public higher education institutions in Australia.

Sarah said the be acknowledged by the Foundation as a scholarship recipient is amazing.

“I'm very honoured to receive this scholarship. Diversity and equality in the STEM field is a very important issue for me, as is creating a safe space for others to be comfortable being who they are,” she said.

“Sexual orientation and gender identity can greatly affect young peoples' ability to reach their full potential, so the fact that there's a foundation here that understands the struggles that young LGBTIQ+ individuals experience and is willing to support them throughout their studies in order for them to succeed is really special.

“I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent the foundation and am extremely thankful for the support they will be providing me this year.”

The scholarship will provide study-related expenses, and Sarah has also been paired with a mentor who will be available throughout the duration of the scholarship.

The Maurice Joyce Scholarship is named in memory of Qantas CEO and Managing Director Alan Joyce AC’s father and is funded by Mr Joyce and his husband, Shane Lloyd.