Barbara Waldner, (Jul. 17, 2025)Taking time out of work to return to university was a big decision, but one I’m so glad I made. I wanted to learn, meet new people, and make the most of what Cambridge has to offer. It feels incredibly rewarding to have the year’s work recognised with the Highest Overall Average Prize.
The MPP has reignited my passion for public policy. I’ve found myself drawn to areas I hadn’t expected, like economic and industrial policy, and came to appreciate how connected they are with social policy issues.
But more than anything, it’s the people I’ll remember: a brilliant cohort, supportive college friends, and faculty who challenged and encouraged us in equal measure. Special thanks to my supervisor, Dr Nina Jörden, for her guidance and insight, and to my family, friends and partner for cheering me on through every side quest.
I’m heading back with new knowledge, fresh energy, and a network of people I feel very lucky to have met.
Robert Joseph, (Jul. 9, 2024)I thoroughly enjoyed and greatly benefited from the MPP at the University of Cambridge, and it was an honour and a pleasant surprise to receive the Highest Overall Average Prize.
Two particular strengths of the program stood out to me. First, the calibre of the lecturers was exceptional; they consistently delivered their classes with passion, balanced perspectives, and were always available for follow-up discussions. Second, the course administrators were incredibly helpful; I always felt supported whenever I had a query or faced an unexpected challenge.
I feel very grateful for my time in the program and look forward to applying what I have learned to the public policy space in Australia.
James Diao, (Oct. 10, 2023)It has been a joy and privilege to study public policy at Cambridge. My experience was supported by the Kanders Churchill Scholarship, which seeks to bridge the divide between science and policymaking.
I was delighted to be awarded the Highest Independent Research Paper Prize for 2022-23, my independent research project investigated the use of race in lung function equations. For more than a century, medical laboratories have interpreted lung function measures differently by race. My dissertation surveyed the evidentiary basis for this practice and was written for clinicians, scientists, and policymakers involved in determining guidelines, research priorities, and reparative interventions. Beyond this project, I hope to continue working to move the field toward more precise and outcome-focused measures of lung function.
I was very fortunate to have been supervised by the inimitable Dame Professor Diane Coyle, who encouraged me to provide non-technical context for a broad readership and to target my writing toward the most relevant decision-makers. All things considered; Cambridge MPP was the perfect place to broaden my learning in a global context. I know its lessons will continue to guide my work and thinking as I continue with my medical and scientific training.