Assisted reproduction is a rapidly evolving field that continues to shape how families are created and supported around the world. From the world’s first IVF pregnancy to groundbreaking advances in reproductive medicine, Monash has long been recognised as a pioneer in assisted reproductive technology (ART). This legacy of innovation is carried forward not only through research and clinical excellence, but also through the generosity of donors who believe in supporting the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.
The Mahendran Mahadevan PhD Scholarship was established by Professor Mahendran Mahadevan (Maha) in honour of Dr Alan Trounson and Dr John Leeton, who were influential supervisors of Maha’s during his own training at Monash. The scholarship nurtures the spirit of future leaders, empowering students who are dedicated to improving reproductive health, policy, and practice. Among its recipients is Dr Ezra Kneebone, whose research in surrogacy is helping to shape a more ethical and compassionate future for assisted reproduction in Australia.
Support that enabled Ezra to focus on what mattered most
When Dr Ezra Kneebone began her PhD at Monash University, she set out to explore one of the most complex and deeply human areas of reproduction: surrogacy.
“My PhD investigated whether Australian regulation of surrogacy is meeting the needs of surrogates, intended parents, and those born as a result,” says Ezra, with the goal of better supporting families and those who help them come into being.
The Mahendran Mahadevan PhD Scholarship played a vital role in making this journey possible. At a time of rising living costs, the scholarship did more than ease financial burden: “The Scholarship made it possible for me to present my research at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Annual Meeting in Denmark,” Ezra shares. “It also helped with daily living expenses, which greatly reduced financial stress and allowed me to focus on my research, and to rest, which is equally important.”
For Professor Maha, seeing Ezra graduate was a proud and meaningful moment: “I was very proud of Ezra graduating. I am sure her family and friends would be too, just like when I graduated many years ago. When I met her over Zoom, I knew that Ezra would do well in the future, focusing on helping patients, people, and society.”
Throughout her PhD, Ezra made significant contributions to the field, co-authoring several academic papers and helping to shape emerging policy discussions on surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology in Australia: “Two of my PhD papers were cited by the Australian Law Reform Commission in the Issues Paper released as part of its inquiry into Australian surrogacy laws,” shares Ezra.
A lasting impact that continues beyond graduation
Now a researcher at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Ezra continues to contribute to research and policy that improve the experiences of families, while maintaining her connection with Monash.
“I’m working as a postdoctoral researcher at The Kids Research Institute Australia. I also hold an affiliate position at Monash University and continue to collaborate with my past colleagues and PhD supervisors,” says Ezra. “I hope to remain in research for the long term, with a focus on generating evidence on the psychosocial aspects of human reproduction to inform reproductive law, policy, and practice.”
Professor Maha’s generosity has had a lasting ripple effect, and when asked to reflect on his gift, he shares:
“My contribution was only small, but I felt that recipients used it for things I could not imagine. The impact was above and beyond. Initially I was going to support it for only ten years, but it has been so successful that I’ve decided to create an endowment so this scholarship will continue in perpetuity.”
Ezra’s story and Professor Maha’s generosity, show how one act of giving can help transform not only a student’s future, but also the field in which they go on to make lasting impact.
How you can learn more about scholarships in medicine
At Monash, we’re deeply grateful to Monash’s philanthropic community whose generosity powers stories like Ezra’s. Scholarships like The Mahendran Mahadevan PhD Scholarship open doors for talented students to pursue bold ideas, contribute to global knowledge, and create real-world change.
As Australia’s largest university, Monash is driving a new era of discovery and social impact. It is thanks to donors like Professor Maha that we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, researchers, and changemakers.
Based within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Mahendran Mahadevan PhD Scholarships supports outstanding PhD students undertaking research in reproductive health and medicine. The scholarship is overseen by Professor Beverley Vollenhoven, Head of the Department, who ensures it continues to recognise and support the most promising researchers who are contributing to advances that improve health outcomes across Australia and globally.