Growing cohort of capable, connected and committed people

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation has released its 2025 Annual Report, outlining a year of change and exceeding expectations.

In 2025, the Foundation welcomed five Sir Roland Wilson scholars, four new and three returning Pat Turner scholars. Seven Sir Roland Wilson scholars and nine Pat Turner scholars completed their postgraduate program.

Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Chair Dr David Gruen AO said Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars and alumni are a growing cohort of capable, connected and committed people in important roles in the public service and beyond.

“As the world continues to confront increasingly complex public policy challenges, Australia relies on a public service equipped with the capability and insight to respond thoughtfully and provide government with evidence based, practical options,” Dr Gruen said.

“This is why the work of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation is so important. Through the Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholarships, the Foundation offers high quality postgraduate education, professional development, and valuable networking opportunities to prepare scholars to address the pressing policy challenges of the day.

Since 2011, the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation has awarded 115 scholarships to public servants across 27 agencies.

“The Foundation’s achievements are made possible through the strong support of many – departmental secretaries, APS mentors, academic supervisors at ANU and CDU, scholars, alumni, and partners outside the service.

“I extend my sincere thanks to all of them. We are grateful to our partners at The Australian National University, Charles Darwin University, and the Australian Public Service, for their continued commitment to and support of our mission.”

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation 2025 Annual Report is available on the Foundation website.

The Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship is a three-year, full-pay scholarship for PhD research at The Australian National University for high performing EL1 and EL2 Australian Public Service and eligible PPGA entity employees.

The Pat Turner Scholarship is a one-to-three year, full-pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at ANU or Charles Darwin University for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS 4 to SES Band 1 APS and eligible PGPA entity employees.

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Image: Adam McGrath/HCreations