Imperial medic awarded prestigious Schwarzman scholarship

An Imperial medical graduate has won one of the world’s most coveted scholarships.

Jordan Abdi (Medicine 2018) was selected as a Schwarzman Scholar for the graduate fellowship at Schwarzman College, based at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Jordan will join the programme’s fourth class of 147 scholars from 38 countries and was selected from over 2,800 applicants to spend a year in China.

"My time at Imperial really shaped how I approach opportunities and new challenges" Jordan Abdi Schwarzman Scholar

Jordan, who completed a MBBS/BSc in Medicine and Neuroscience earlier this year, said: "The Schwarzman Scholars programme is a phenomenal opportunity to study global affairs in a country that is of increasing international importance.

"China has a unique political and economic system, and in a world where China is posed to play a greater role, understanding its systems will be vital to successful multilateral engagement.

"My entrepreneurial background coupled with my interest in public policy makes this programme so appealing to me as its modules span business, policy and international relations at a time when greater global collaboration will be needed to solve our shared future challenges.

"My time at Imperial really shaped how I approach opportunities and new challenges. Being in London, a city full of exciting enterprise, Imperial encourages its students to take on new challenges and have a crack at solving them."

Vice President (International) Maggie Dallman said: “This is an extremely prestigious graduate fellowship, with thousands of applicants from across the world, so it is an outstanding achievement for Jordan to be selected as a Schwarzman Scholar.

"Imperial encourages and supports its students to experience different cultures, build networks and expand their horizons. We hope others will follow in Jordan’s footsteps whether as Schwarzman Scholars or pursuing other overseas study opportunities.”

Stephen A. Schwarzman, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, and Chairman of Schwarzman Scholars said: “Our newest class includes a diverse group of future leaders from around the world.

"They join a global network of Scholars who have committed themselves to being a force for change, regardless of where their professional or personal passions take them.

"My hope is that a year in Beijing will inspire and challenge these students in ways they haven’t even imagined.

"I look forward to seeing how this new class will leave its mark.”

Unrivalled exposure to China 

Jordan will study a Master’s degree in Global Affairs, taught by leading professors from Tsinghua and visiting faculty members from distinguished institutions around the world.

Beyond the classroom, Scholars will gain unrivalled exposure to China and a broad network of important relationships through unique internships, mentorship opportunities, high-profile speakers and opportunities to travel throughout China.

This combination of coursework and cultural immersion will provide students with an in-depth understanding of China.

Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman Scholars said: “We are thrilled to have another cohort of outstanding young people from around the world.

"We look forward to bringing these exceptional minds to Tsinghua and Schwarzman College to explore, debate, and discover the future direction of our global community.”

Imperial's China links

Imperial has strong connections with China and Tsinghua University.

Last year Imperial and Tsinghua launched a seed fund to support early-stage bold scientific ideas. There are also student exchanges and a global fellows programme between the institutions.

Imperial is the UK’s top academic research collaborator with China. Imperial researchers have co-authored more than 3,000 publications with their Chinese peers over the past five years.