Economist, athlete, climate campaigner and UQ graduate Josephine Auer has been announced as Queensland’s 2023 Rhodes Scholar.
Queensland Governor The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, who chairs Queensland’s Rhodes selection panel, revealed the state’s newest recipient of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program this afternoon at Government House in Brisbane.
Ms Auer completed a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Hons) at The University of Queensland in 2019 with a perfect GPA of 7, and was awarded the University Medal for her year.
She was part of the degree’s inaugural cohort and Valedictorian of the Economics School, and was named UQ’s 2020 Graduate of the Year.
Ms Auer is now also in her final year of a Bachelor of Mathematics, where she is majoring in statistics and pure math, while working as an analyst for the e61 Institute – a not-for-profit economic research institute based in Sydney.
Her research at e61 examines the recessionary impacts on disadvantaged youth in Australia.
She is also a volunteer with the policy team of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and involved in environmentally focused research opportunities at UQ.
In addition to her academic, research and community pursuits, Ms Auer is a talented distance runner.
She was the 2021 Bridge to Brisbane open 10km champion, and won the Australian University Games 10,000m and 5000m titles the same year. She also won several national age titles in the 800m and 1500m while a student at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and made the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials in the 1500m.
Ms Auer intends to use her Rhodes Scholarship to study a two-year Master of Philosophy (Economics) at the University of Oxford.
She said elite distance running had helped prepare her for the rigours of academic study – but that she thought running was also a ‘self-centred endeavour’ that she wanted to balance out with community service.
“I am increasingly reflective about my place in the world and the ways in which I can contribute to the critical global issues we all face,” she said.
“As a concerned citizen and student of economics, I see climate change as humanity’s greatest challenge and a solution its greatest need.
“Climate change is a ‘threat multiplier’ – it has profound implications not only for the environment but for international peace and stability through its effects on food security, poverty, and displacement.
“While recognising this, I am also aware that climate policy involves a nuanced and complex relationship between economic, political, scientific, legal, and institutional factors.
“I want to use my skills as an economist to work in partnership with leaders in a diverse range of fields to create transformative climate change policies that could chart a more sustainable and safer future for all.
“An Oxford post-graduate education will fulfil a long-held ambition to study at such a prestigious institution, steeped in history, academic excellence, and architectural beauty.
“I know the globally renowned MPhil Economics programme will build upon my existing background in economics and mathematics, and provide a strong foundation to progress to doctoral research in my area of interest.
“I am most excited by the opportunity to develop the skills and tools needed to live a life of impactful service.
“It is my hope that I will make lifelong friendships and professional partnerships that will enhance my contributions to society for many years to come.
“And of course, it would be a privilege to lace up my shoes and run the bends of the Sir Roger Bannister Running Track!”
Ms Auer graduated from Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 2015 as dux of the school, and received an OP1.
About the Rhodes Scholarships
QUT administers the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship on behalf of all Queensland universities.
Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards, that started in 1903 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes. This prestigious award recognises outstanding all-round students and enables them to study at the University of Oxford.
More than 100 scholars are selected each year from countries such as Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The qualities Cecil Rhodes set out for those seeking Rhodes Scholarships include: academic and intellectual excellence; integrity of character; respect for fellow beings; and a capacity for leadership.
More than 500 Australian Rhodes Scholars have been selected since the scheme began.
A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College fees, a personal stipend and return airfare.
Media note: QUT administers the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship on behalf of all Queensland universities.
Media contacts
QUT Media: media@qut.edu.au or 0407 585 901 (after hours)
UQ communications: communications@uq.edu.au or +61 (0)429 056 139
