Law, neuroscience and economics topics for 2025 William Georgetti scholars
22 September 2025 | news
Indigenous sovereignty, cognitive decline and the economics of large-scale urban
regeneration are the focus for the 2025 recipients of the William Georgetti Scholarships.
In the 82nd year of the Scholarship being awarded, three New Zealanders will use the gift
of William Georgetti to travel to England, the Netherlands and the United States of
America to further their education in very different arenas.
Professor Duncan McGillivray, chair of the Universities New Zealand Scholarships
Committee, says: “The William Georgetti scholarship is one of New Zealand’s longest
running and most significant scholarships.”
“The successful candidates are very strong additions to an illustrious alumni list, and all
impressed the selection committee not only with their academic excellence and
leadership abilities, but also with their obvious passion for the development of New
Zealand.”
The 2025 winners are:
Chris McCardle will study at New York University to complete a Master of Laws in Legal
Theory. Having completed BA/LLB(Hons) degree at the University of Auckland and then
worked as a judge’s clerk at the Supreme Court of New Zealand and junior barrister at
Mills Lane Chambers, Chris plans to complete research on how to build a democratic
economy and recognise claims of indigenous sovereignty.
Chris will concentrate on jurisprudence, the critical study of private law and the
relationship between indigenous law and Western legal philosophy.
Ronan McNeill will use his scholarship to complete a Doctorate in Clinical
Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, having already graduated from the University
of Otago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science, a Bachelor of
Science with honours in Neuroscience, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
His doctorate will consider the use of multi-modal MRI techniques for capturing images
of brain cells and neuroinflammation for those with dementia.
Natalija Petrovic, who completed a Master of European Union Studies and a Bachelor
of Arts in Political Science and English at the University of Canterbury, plans to study at
the University of Amsterdam.
Her Master in Economics will explore comparative, international approaches to funding
large-scale investment projects across government and non-governmental institutions,
something she has become interested in while working as an analyst at Treasury.