Photo caption: Lady Brownlie signing the gift agreement in London.
This prestigious scholarship gifted to Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) will support one full-time PhD student annually, fostering excellence in doctoral research in International Law.
The scholarship reflects Lady Brownlie’s dedication to promoting academic achievement and perseverance in a traditionally male-dominated field. As one of only four female students in her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) class and the only woman who went on to earn a Master of Laws (LLM), Lady Brownlie graduated from UC in 1968 before becoming a law lecturer at UC. Her legacy now inspires the next generation of legal scholars.
Speaking about the scholarship, Lady Brownlie expressed her hope that it will inspire students to explore the role of international law in international affairs and its impact on global governance.
“The observance of international law has never been more important than in the current state of world affairs,” she said.
In addition to the scholarship, Lady Brownlie has long supported UC’s Ewart Hay Prize in Public International Law, which she established in 2009 in memory of her uncle, Ewart Hay. A graduate of what was then Canterbury College, Ewart Hay had a distinguished legal career in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a remarkable record in the Second World War, and was an avid sportsman.
Professor Petra Butler, Amo Matua | Executive Dean of UC’s Faculty of Law, expressed her gratitude for Lady Brownlie’s generosity.
”We are immensely grateful to Lady Brownlie for her generous donation for the PhD scholarship in International Law,” said Professor Butler. “Her significant contribution will not only empower an aspiring international lawyer to pursue advanced legal research but also enhance the academic rigor and prestige of our Law School. Lady Brownlie’s support is a cornerstone of opportunity, reflecting her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of legal education.”
The selection panel for the scholarship includes world-renowned legal scholar and UC alumnus Professor Benedict Kingsbury, alumna Victoria Hallum (Deputy Secretary, Multilateral and Legal Affairs, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Professors Karen Scott and Petra Butler from UC’s Faculty of Law, and UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey.
Applications for the scholarship are now open to students undertaking doctoral research in International Law at UC. For more information about the scholarship, please visit University of Canterbury International Law PhD Scholarship.
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