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Two exceptional female astrophysicists will take up Master’s degree places at �鶹Ƶ��, Cambridge this month as the first recipients of The Parasol Foundation Scholarship.

This new award is launched by the College in partnership with Cambridge University’s to encourage more young women to pursue academic careers in a subject that remains stubbornly male-dominated.

The first two women to be awarded scholarships are Maria Semerkina, 21, a graduate of University College Dublin studying for a MASt in Astrophysics, and Exeter University graduate Almudena Visser Velez, 22, who will embark on an MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe.

Both have not only shown outstanding academic achievement to date but also share a commitment to inspire other young women to follow in their footsteps.

The scholarships, which fully fund Master’s students at the Institute, are made possible through the generous support of , whose aim is to help women pursue their dreams with a special focus on STEM subjects.

Applications are now open for the second year of the awards, with places available for up to four promising female home-fee students in 2025-26. Course costs, living costs and a research grant are all covered by the scholarship.

The three eligible courses are the MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe, MPhil in Astronomy and MASt in Astrophysics. All eligible women applicants for these courses will automatically be considered for the scholarships. To find out more, including details of how to apply, visit the and pages on Institute of Astronomy website.

Successful applicants will be members of �鶹Ƶ�� while studying in Cambridge.

Dorothy Byrne, President of �鶹Ƶ��, said the scholarships marked a turning point for young women in astrophysics. She said: ‘These awards, generously supported by The Parasol Foundation, offer an exciting opportunity for women to pursue their dreams and study a subject that has been held back for far too long by a gender gap in favour of men.

‘As a women’s College in Cambridge, we recognise that gap and are determined to play our part in closing it. Many congratulations to Maria and Almudena on becoming our inaugural Parasol Foundation Scholars.’

Speaking about the new scholarships, the Foundation’s principal benefactress Ruth Monicka Parasol said:

‘Today, we welcome two new scholars to our growing band of talented women around the world whom we have supported and who are pushing the boundaries in science. We know from our other projects that expanding opportunities for women makes a lasting difference. I hope that these two trailblazers Maria and Almudena will inspire other promising young women to follow their lead and apply for next year’.

Professor Cathie Clarke, co-director of the Institute of Astronomy, said the new scholarships were a very exciting development. ‘They provide crucial support at the point that students are transitioning between taught courses and those where they have the opportunity to conduct their own research projects at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge.

‘They are particularly timely given the new Master’s courses that the University of Cambridge is offering, such as the Institute of Astronomy’s “Planetary Science and Life in the Universe” course, where students from a wide range of scientific backgrounds will combine to make progress on one of the great questions of our time. It’s great to be able to ensure that women are well represented in this endeavour.’

Notes:

• The scholarships fund living costs as well as tuition and a research grant.
• Four scholarships are available for the 2025-26 academic year, and the deadline for both MPhils and the MASt is 3 December 2024. The three eligible courses are: MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe, MPhil in Astronomy and MASt Astrophysics. All eligible women applicants for these courses will automatically be considered for the scholarships. To find out more, including details of how to apply, visit the and pages on Institute of Astronomy website.
• Successful applicants will be members of �鶹Ƶ�� while studying in Cambridge.
• The awards are open to home-fee paying students only.
• The Scholarships build on the Foundation’s past association with Cambridge University through its £800,000 donation to the Darwin Library and previous scholarships for overseas students of STEM subjects.
• The Parasol Foundation, created in 2004, has funded £40m worth of projects and partnerships in Gibraltar, UK, Spain, Israel and the US.
• Ruth Monicka Parasol is the principal benefactress of The Parasol Foundation Trust. A tech pioneer and entrepreneur, she is passionate about widening opportunities, supporting women’s health and helping women achieve their potential in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).