Name: Neha Srinivasan

Home country: India

Area of interest: Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

How easy was it to apply for the Scholarship?

The application process was fairly straightforward, thanks to the clear guidelines on the MWA PhD and Scholarship webpages. The process goes smoothly if you’ve already connected with both of your supervisors at Warwick and Monash and have prepared your personal statement, references and project proposal in advance.

Did it take a lot of preparation and commitment?

Yes, applying for a joint PhD program involves slightly more paperwork and administrative steps. After meeting with my supervisors to discuss the project, I drafted a research proposal and personal statement tailored to align with the objectives of both institutions. Since this is a collaborative program, the proposal needed to reflect the values and goals of both Warwick and Monash. I already had a basic proposal prepared which I had used for my application to Warwick-only scholarships. I worked under the guidance of my supervisors to modify the proposal to utilise the research material at Monash as well and produce an outcome that would benefit both labs.

Being based in India, I navigated time differences with my supervisors, who were 5.5 hours ahead (Australia) and 5.5 hours behind (UK). This required careful time management to schedule meetings and send emails at appropriate times. My supervisor at Warwick was incredibly supportive, connecting me with my Monash supervisor and encouraging me to apply for the MWA program together. My entry into this program feels serendipitous, and I’m deeply grateful for it!

If you were to give advice for others on how to approach the process what would you say?

Start early and don’t leave things to the last minute! You’ll need to submit a Joint Supervision form requiring signatures from academic heads at both institutions, which can take additional time due to the UK-Australia time difference. After submitting your course application, allow 48 hours to receive your ITS login details, as this is necessary to proceed with the scholarship application. It’s important to plan these steps carefully.

When applying for the MWA scholarship, it’s crucial to communicate well with supervisors at both Warwick and Monash, keeping the time difference in mind. If you’re applying from outside the UK, be mindful of deadlines and time zones so you don’t cut it too close!

What did receiving the scholarship mean to you and how has it helped you?

I received notification that my application to the MWA scholarship was successful in March 2024, and I teared up upon reading the email. It was a very overwhelming moment, as I recounted all my years of hard work leading up to this moment. Being the first in my immediate family to pursue graduate studies, let alone a PhD, is meaningful, especially as a woman entering STEM research. This scholarship empowers me to conduct research at two esteemed universities, access world-class facilities, and produce meaningful work that contributes to our understanding of development and maintenance of life. It’s an honour to be a role model for girls in my family and community.