This year marks a major milestone - 70 years of the E.S. Cornwall Memorial Scholarship, a program that has shaped generations of power engineers and helped transform Australia’s energy landscape through international learning and collaboration.
Since it was established in 1955 to honour Edward Satchwell Cornwall, former General Manager and Director of the Southern Electric Authority of Queensland, the scholarship has empowered early-career engineers to gain overseas experience and bring home new insights to help advance the Australian electricity supply industry.
Over the decades, 37 scholars from five Queensland universities, including 29 from UQ, have taken part in international placements that have expanded their technical knowledge, global perspectives, and leadership potential.
Neha Moturi, one of the two current scholars and a UQ graduate currently based in the UK said the scholarship was truly a once-in-a-career opportunity.
“As the lead for the whole system portfolio in an innovation team, it’s vital to stay connected to the cutting edge of the energy industry and immerse myself among leading energy experts and businesses,” Neha said
“The exposure to global practices, ideas, and networks has deepened my understanding of the sector, and I’m excited to bring these insights back to Australia to help drive meaningful progress.”
valued the chance to tackle a global challenge.
Eugene Ma, who recently returned from his placement in the UK, relished the opportunity to be immersed in a global challenge.
“To witness the range of solutions being developed around the world to address the challenge of decarbonisation was eye-opening,” Eugene said.
“I often turn to my experiences and learnings overseas to see how I can better approach my role as a Grid Controls Planning Engineer at Powerlink Queensland.”
The long-term impact of the scholarship is clear. Many former recipients are now leaders in the sector.
Paul McArdle, Managing Director of Global-Roam and a past scholar, reflects on how the award opened doors and helped him expand his horizons.
“The scholarship gave me the freedom to explore emerging energy markets and technologies well before they hit the mainstream,” Paul said
“It expanded my thinking and shaped how I approach complex system challenges today.”
Daniel Andersen, General Manager, Energy Markets at Powerlink Queensland, and Cornwall scholar in 2005 - 06 also credits the program for helping set his career in motion.
“My time overseas transformed not only how I thought about grid transformation and future energy systems, but also how I saw myself,” Daniel said.
“It deepened my technical knowledge while pushing me out of my comfort zone - building confidence, broadening my perspective, and driving meaningful personal growth.”
Professor Tapan Saha from UQ’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science who has been involved with the scholarship’s operation for the last 20 years, is part of the Faculty scholarship administration team and the scholarship industry advisory committee. The scholarship offers are endorsed by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.
Professor Saha summed up the significance of the award.
“This scholarship is not just about professional growth - it’s about national impact, he said.
“Scholars return with ideas and skills that strengthen their organisations and contribute meaningfully to the sector.”
As we celebrate 70 years of the E.S. Cornwall Memorial Scholarship, we also celebrate a powerful legacy - one that continues to connect Queensland’s best and brightest emerging energy leaders with the world - and brings new skills and knowledge back to our shores.
Subscribe for updates on the ES Memorial Scholarship and stay tuned for the opening of the 2026 application process here.
