Monash alumna awarded prestigious John Monash Scholarship for 2026
Monash University congratulates alumna Georgia Leak, who has been named among 18 Australians awarded 2026 John Monash Scholarships, one of the nation’s most esteemed postgraduate scholarships.
Now in its 22nd year, the John Monash Scholarship program recognises outstanding Australians with leadership potential who are committed to delivering positive change for the nation. Each scholarship is valued at $100,000 per year for up to three years to support postgraduate study at leading international institutions. Since its inception in 2004, the program has supported nearly 300 scholars across disciplines critical to Australia’s future - ranging from engineering, medicine and defence, to sustainability and robotics.
This year’s cohort was selected from a record number of applicants, highlighting the continued strength and prestige of the program.
Celebrating and cultivating excellence
Georgia is a Speechwriter and Strategic Communications Adviser to the Federal Minister for Finance and Women at the Australian Government (Commonwealth). She holds a Graduate Certificate of Marketing and Digital Communications from Monash University and has spent the past five years at the forefront of democracy's digital transformation. Find out more about Georgia Leak
Georgia Leak
Also recognised this year is Emersyn Johnson, an Embedded Systems Lab Demonstrator at the University of Western Australia and recipient of the Monash-supported Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholar Award. Her research examines the health impacts of electromagnetic exposure and the development of new technologies for medical diagnosis and therapy. Find out more about Emersyn Johnson
Both scholars exemplify Monash’s commitment to fostering global leaders who apply their knowledge and values to address complex challenges and drive positive change.