The second prestigious Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship has been awarded to a New Delhi student with a passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities, to study in Australia.
During a Gala Dinner in Delhi, La Trobe University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell presented Sumaira Khan with the 2024 Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, valued at more than $225,000 (AUD).
Sumaira was selected from a competitive field of applicants from across India for the four-year scholarship, which recognises the humanitarian and social justice achievements of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK). The PhD scholarship was made possible through La Trobe's long standing partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Designed to support aspiring female Indian researchers who want to make a meaningful impact in the world, the scholarship enables Sumaira to undertake research at La Trobe's state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne, Australia.
Sumaira will work with medical anthropologists Dr Tarryn Phillips and Dr Catherine Trundle to identify ways to improve healthcare for South Asian migrant women in Australia with an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study seeks to understand the factors that shape and constrain the ability to practice self-care, and inform improved healthcare design, access and equity for healthcare programs in Australia and India.
"I'm very grateful to receive the Shah Rukh Khan scholarship. It's life-changing for me and my family, and I'm excited to interact with La Trobe's global community of researchers. It really is my proudest achievement," Sumaira said.
Shah Rukh Khan said he was delighted to support the development of Indian women to pursue solutions to challenges affecting not just Indian communities, but global issues.
"Sumaira's passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities is inspiring, and her journey is a wonderful lesson to other Indian women who want to improve lives through scientific study," Mr Khan said.
"I am pleased to be able to support Sumaira's ongoing development and education with this scholarship at La Trobe University in Melbourne."
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, said the University was proud to continue the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship to a student whose goal is to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.
"This ongoing scholarship is testament to the strong relationship and shared vision La Trobe has with Mr Khan to inspire positive change through education and find solutions for some of the most challenging issues facing the world," Professor Farrell said.
"We are delighted to welcome Sumaira to La Trobe."
