Margaret Pratt Science Scholarship

The Margaret Pratt Science Scholarship recognises and rewards Loreto Toorak students who display conscientious interest in the broad area of Science. Awarded to a student as they begin their VCE, the financial endowment supports a student’s plans to undertake a career or further study in a scientific or medical research area.

Background: Margaret Pratt Scholarship

Loreto Toorak Alumna, Margaret Pratt (Whitty, 1977), was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension in 1993. She was the first person in Australia to undergo three double-lung transplants. Sadly, Margaret died in 2009 as a result of organ rejection. Close friend, past Loreto Toorak staff member and current Board Member, Dr Lesley Gillespie OAM, and her husband, Dr Roger Gillespie OAM, wanted to honour Margaret’s memory by endowing a Science Scholarship in her name.

First awarded in 2008, the Scholarship recognises and rewards a student of Loreto Toorak with conscientious interest and ability in the area of Science. Awarded on their final year of study, the endowment supports a student’s plans to undertake a career or further study in a Scientific or Medical Research area, accompanied by the hope of raising awareness of the work of the Margaret Pratt Foundation Heart Lung Transplant Trust, now known as the Lungitude Foundation.

Margaret Pratt Science Prize

In 2022, Margaret’s widower, Tony Pratt, conveyed his wish to add his financial support to that of the Gillespies’ by creating a Margaret Pratt Science Prize to be awarded to a high achieving VCE Science student. Hasanya Rajapaksha Manikkunambi was the 2022 prize winner.

Margaret Pratt Scholarship 2024

The Margaret Pratt Science Scholarship is awarded to one student for their Year 11 and 12 tuition who demonstrates high academic achievement. The student must show a keen interest in Science, commitment to undertaking Science subjects in VCE and aspiring to Science-related tertiary studies and career pathway. A total of $20,000 per annum will be awarded to the successful candidate for their tuition fees in both Years 11 and 12.

Students with a passion for Science are invited to apply here. Applications will close on 18 August.