About the scholarship
The Sucheta Nadkarni Scholarship has been launched to honour the legacy of Professor Sucheta Nadkarni (1967-2019), a visionary academic, leader, and champion of gender parity in business and society. As Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management, and Head of the Strategy and International Business group at Cambridge Judge Business School, Sucheta dedicated her career to understanding how diversity and leadership dynamics shape organisational success.
A passionate advocate for women’s advancement, Sucheta was the Director of the Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre (WLC) at the Business School and created this flagship programme, Cambridge Rising Women Leaders, designed to empower women at pivotal stages in their careers. In addition, Sucheta was Gender Equality Champion at the University of Cambridge (2016-2019). Her research illuminated how gender diversity at the top of organisations drives innovation, collaboration and resilience, particularly in times of adversity.
Through her teaching, mentorship and tireless advocacy, Sucheta inspired a generation of scholars, executives and students to see leadership as both an intellectual and moral endeavour. The Sucheta Nadkarni Scholarship continues her mission to expand access to leadership development for women across sectors and geographies, ensuring that her vision for a more equitable future remains at the heart of the Cambridge community.
Cambridge Rising Women Leaders Programme 100% Sucheta Nadkarni Scholarship
Cambridge Judge Business School is committed to addressing gender imbalance and to helping more women reach influential positions. The Cambridge Rising Women Leaders Programme Sucheta Nadkarni Scholarship has been established to encourage and support ambitious women who are aspiring towards senior leadership roles. For the programme which takes place on 9-11 March 2026, one Sucheta Nadkarni Scholarship, covering 100% of the programme fees, will be awarded to an exceptional female candidate who is currently in a junior or middle management positions within their organisation. All scholars need to have their application supported with a nomination from their organisation. The winner will receive a fully funded place on the 9-11 March 2026 running of this programme.
Criteria
Financial need
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine financial need that would prohibit their participation in the programme without scholarship support.
Professional impact
Applicants should be professional women who have made meaningful contributions within their organisation or their broader community, focusing on empowerment, advocacy or positive change.
Leadership potential
A track record of leadership potential should be evident through tangible actions and accomplishments. This will be evidenced in their application by a sponsor.
Career level
Applicants should be in junior to middle management positions within their organisation, looking to advance into the next steps of their career.
Please note:
If the application is successful, the scholarship place is non-transferable. The scholarship covers the programme fees. The deciding panel will consist of Jon Hudson, Corporate Development Director, and Dr Patrizia Vecci, the Academic Programme Director. We are unable to give feedback on individual applications. Deadlines for application is Friday 23 January 2026. Applicants will be informed of the outcome no later than Monday 2 February 2026.
