Mohammad Omer Aiuby, Afghanistan
2022 saw the arrival of the final recipient of the Geoffrey Oldham Memorial Scholarship. Mohammad Omer Aiuby from Afghanistan is enrolled for the course, MSc in Sustainable Development, in the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex.
Mohammad writes: “I noticed over a number of years, while working for a range of organisations (CSOs, NGOs and UN agencies), that there is an enormous gap in the understanding of the interrelationships and linkages between development issues such as poverty, human rights, environmental sustainability, social protection, economic growth and local governance. Because the presence of international expertise and funding from the international community has declined, Afghanistan desperately needs nationals who can think more broadly and undertake the responsibility for the country’s stability and development.”
A special commemorative report, Geoffrey Oldham Memorial Scholarship: The scholars: where are they now? offers insight on the Oldham scholars’ current activities and outlines the impact that the Scholarship has had on their lives so far.
The report reflects on the life-changing opportunities that the Scholarship Fund has provided.
“Geoff’s work over nearly six decades helped to bring scientific and technological advances to some of the populations around the world that needed them most, and to direct technological efforts towards long-term, sustainable patterns of development.
…it’s so great to hear the news from Aida, Marisa, Rodrigo, Carolina, Qi, Kennedy, Juan, Sandra, Anne and Omer… we learn how their careers have been propelled forward by their time at Sussex, into areas that Geoff cared deeply about – science and technology for development, gender and inclusion, international collaboration and the environment. All of them are set to make a huge impact on the nations and communities with whom they are working.”
Dr. Adrian Ely, Reader in Technology and Sustainability, SPRU
Professor Jeremy Hall, Director, SPRU
Bulletin No. 70
January 2023