New masters scholarship programme at King's launched in memory of Dr Alexandros Petersen
Following an initial groundswell of support for the creation of a memorial to the life and work of our dear friend, Alexandros Petersen, we are pleased to announce that we have worked with the Petersen Family to establish The Alexandros Petersen Scholarship starting at King’s in September 2016.
The Alexandros Petersen Scholarship is designed to provide the best and brightest students resident in Afghanistan, Central Asia, or the South Caucasus with the opportunity to continue onto a Masters programme in the Department of War Studies without the worry of financial constraint.
The scholarship programme has been made possible by a transformative US$1million gift from the family of King’s alumnus Dr Alexandros Petersen and will fund at least 22 full Masters Scholarships over 22 years in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London. The Fund is open to donations from outside and the aim is to increase the number of scholarships over time.
Dr Alexandros Petersen was one of our most gifted and conscientious young scholars. His tremendous energy and enthusiasm made a lasting impression on his teachers and contemporaries at King’s. He founded the London branch of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy and, in a few short years after leaving King’s, made a distinguished and lasting contribution to the field of Eurasian Geopolitics. His death in January 2014 as a result of an attack on a Kabul restaurant was a great tragedy. His achievements are a continued source of pride for the College and all those who knew him.
The programme will support rising stars whose work reflects Alexandros’s aims and ambitions and those who hope to become future practitioners on the ground, spanning the world of academia and policy. Our hope is that this programme will not only perpetuate Alexandros’s academic and personal memory but also encourage other young people – through his example – to continue the work that he was unable to finish.
One scholarship will be available per year for at least 22 years. Each student will receive £40,000. Scholarships are open to applicants resident in Afghanistan, Central Asia, or the South Caucasus, who wish to undertake a one year Masters programme in the Conflict, Security, and Development programme within the War Studies Department. To be eligible for the scheme, students will have to complete an application form which will include an overview of recent academic achievements, demonstrate their financial need, and include a personal statement.
King’s College London is extremely grateful to the Petersen Family for establishing this scholarship programme in the Department of War Studies at King’s and proud to be working with them to celebrate the life of Alexandros in this way.
Further details on how to apply will be announced in due course.
The source can be found here.