Scholarships and prizes

The Alumni Scholarship was not just financial support — it was a transformative chapter in my life. It opened a world of possibility, equipping me with the confidence, insight, and global exposure that continue to shape who I am today. Coming from a small village in Kerala to working with UNICEF, traveling for global health work, and speaking at the United Nations — these were not distant dreams, but real experiences made possible by this scholarship. It empowered me to believe, to lead, and to thrive on the global stage.

This scholarship did more than support my education. As a young African woman working in a multilateral humanitarian setting, my experience at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has given me a front-row seat to how trust-based, flexible funding mechanisms can strengthen local actors to lead their own progress. It is through the scholarship that my distant dreams turned into lived experiences and placed me in spaces I never imagined, where I now continue to grow and contribute to global impact.

I’m deeply grateful to the Institute and its alumni for enabling me to build my career at this premier institution which would have been out of reach otherwise, and for deepening my conviction to give back through my work. This experience opened academic and professional doors and connected me to an amazing community that continues to inspire me every day. Thank you for championing diversity of thought, experience, and values.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship and the Institute, both of which have provided me with invaluable opportunities to pursue my academic interests in international law. The scholarship has not only supported my studies but has also opened doors to new possibilities and experiences that have significantly enriched my academic journey. I deeply miss the diverse and inclusive environment, the warm and welcoming community, and the intellectually stimulating and rigorous academic discussions that characterized my time at the Institute. These experiences have left a lasting impression on me, and I remain profoundly grateful for the opportunities afforded to me.

The Alumni Association's scholarship was instrumental in my decision to come to Geneva to pursue a PhD at IHEID's ANSO Department. It not only eased concerns about financial stability but also came as a form of reassurance—a gesture of faith and trust in my research. It allowed me to focus on my doctoral studies without being burdened by insecurity. The scholarship, therefore, not only transformed the way I thought, the perspectives I held, the books I read, and the way I listened and engaged, but also introduced me to a community of eager, curious, brilliant, generous, and kind people who continue to inspire me. Academia, finally, is about this community, one of support, solidarity, and care, something we need now more than ever. Ultimately, this scholarship allowed me to become a part of this network of care, shaping not just my intellectual and research trajectory, but also my personal values.

As a proud Alumni Scholarship holder and its very first recipient, the Graduate Institute has taught me to stay diligent, positive, and energetic no matter how hard the times are. The skills I acquired at the Institute, as well as the international spirit I became accustomed to there, are greatly helping me in my new role as a young professor at the Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus, and have shaped and guided my approach in teaching. Thank you to the Alumni community for supporting my education in Geneva.