Clare Hall PhD student Efthymia Kostaki has won a 2026 SU Cambridge Excellence Award in the Academic Rep of the Year category as part of the Cambridge Judge Business School PhD Reps, recognising the team’s outstanding work in securing a major funding reform for doctoral students.

The award celebrates the representatives’ successful campaign to improve financial support for PhD students, resulting in a landmark policy change that will benefit future generations of researchers at Cambridge.

For many years, a funding policy at Cambridge Judge Business School linked fourth-year PhD maintenance stipends to achieving a specific publication milestone within a small group of academic journals. As the academic publishing landscape evolved, students increasingly raised concerns about the challenges this created, including its impact on research planning, wellbeing and financial security.

Working closely with her fellow PhD representatives, Efthymia helped lead an evidence-based review of the policy. Through detailed cohort analysis, extensive consultation with students and benchmarking against leading peer institutions, the team developed a compelling case for change. They then worked collaboratively with faculty and University decision-makers to help shape a new approach.

As a result of their efforts, the PhD Steering Committee approved full fourth-year funding for all Judge Business School PhD students, subject to satisfactory overall research progress. This landmark change will provide greater financial security and strengthen support for future generations of doctoral researchers.

Beyond her academic representation, Efthymia has been an active and valued member of the Clare Hall community. Between 2023 and 2025, she served as both the Graduate Student Body Sports Officer and Bar Manager, contributing significantly to College life and helping to foster a welcoming and vibrant community.

We are delighted to celebrate Efthymia’s success! Her commitment to improving the student experience, both within her department and across the College, exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated student representatives can have on the wider University community.