Chevening Impact Report 2022-2023: Fellow stories

Chevening Fellowships offer mid-career professionals who have reached a position of influence and want to increase their knowledge, networks, and potential, the opportunity to embark on tailored short courses, research, or professional placements at UK institutions. In 2022-2023, Chevening offered 12 fellowship programmes on a range of research areas – from cyber security to journalism.

We asked two Chevening Fellows to reflect on their experiences on two fellowships: The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship and The Chevening Western Balkans Security Fellowship.

Eduardo Carvalho, Chevening Clore Leadership Fellow from Brazil

‘During my time as a Clore Fellow, I had the opportunity to connect with individuals from the UK and other countries, which helped broaden my knowledge and perspectives. However, the most significant impact that the fellowship had on me was the realisation of the cultural sector’s potential to address the climate crisis.

While working on a consultancy project at Somerset House, as part of the Clore Fellowship program, I was inspired to work on the intersection of culture and climate change. Since then, I have been developing courses for the United Nations, creating exhibitions, and pavilions for Climate Change Conferences worldwide. I also advocate for this cause in Brazil.’

Fernala Sejmen-Banjac, Chevening Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellow from Bosnia & Herzegovina

‘The fellowship was a transformative experience, offering an immersive and intense three months of learning and networking. Working alongside brilliant professionals from the Western Balkans was particularly enlightening.’