Cambridge scholarship winner has eyes on Parliament

23 Sep 2015

UQ Law student Margaret Forrest has taken a big step towards realising her political ambitions after winning a prestigious scholarship to attend the University of Cambridge.

The 2010 UQ graduate has been awarded the Davis McCaughey Cambridge Australia Scholarship to complete her Masters of Philosophy in Criminology.

Ms Forrest has a keen interest in international, comparative and criminal law and has recently completed a six month internship in the Immediate Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague.

“Completing an Arts/Law degree at the University of Queensland prepared me well for the rigors of life as a junior lawyer and then a political adviser,” Ms Forrest said. “The fond memories I have of my time at UQ contributed to my desire to pursue further study.”

Ms Forrest has worked as a Legal Officer for the Director of Public Prosecutions and as a Senior Policy Adviser in the Office of the Queensland Attorney-General, where she developed criminal and civil law policy and helped to draft supporting legislation.

“After completing my Masters, I plan to return to Queensland to commence a career at the bar and, when a suitable opportunity arises, run for elected public office,” she said.

“I anticipate that my studies at Cambridge will assist me to pursue both these endeavors by furthering my knowledge of the criminal law and the development and application of evidence-based policies.”

“I am very grateful to have received this Scholarship which will help me pursue my desire to contribute to the betterment of society through the law and by seeking public office.”

Outside her professional interests, Ms Forrest is a keen rower and looking forward to joining the Pembroke College Boat Club - one of the most successful boat clubs in Cambridge.

UQ Dean of Law Professor Sarah Derrington congratulated Ms Forrest on her achievements.

“It is terrific to see UQ Law alumni making great strides in their careers,” Professor Derrington said.

“Especially when, like Margaret, their studies and learning feed into a greater public contribution. We wish her well for a challenging and rewarding course at Cambridge.”

Cambridge Australia Scholarships, in collaboration with The Cambridge Commonwealth and European and International Trust, awards up to ten PhD scholarships and a number of Masters degree half-scholarships each year.

Media:

Nadine Davidson-Wall 07 3346 9263, n.davidson-wall@law.uq.edu.au

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