Cambridge Judge Business School is delighted to announce a new Vanessa Dekou Scholarship for Scientists through a generous donation from alumna Vanessa Dekou, from the Cambridge MBA class of 2002, who has had a very successful career as an entrepreneur and scientist in the biopharmaceutical and biotech industries.
The scholarship will contribute £25,000 toward tuition fees for recipients to study the one-year Cambridge MBA at Cambridge Judge. It is open to candidates with a masters- and/or PhD-level education who have a scientific background in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics and medicine, and selection is based on academic excellence. Priority will be given to Greek nationals and to those experiencing financial hardship.
How the new scholarship will help next generation of scientific leaders
Vanessa, a native of Greece now living in London, holds a PhD in cardiovascular genetics. She is a great believer that education creates opportunities, so the scholarship aims to assist scientists advance their business understanding and credentials in order to become part of the next generation of leaders and contribute to scientific advancement. Vanessa Dekou is a member of the Advisory Board of Cambridge Judge.
From Scotland Yard to founding new drug-test firm
Vanessa moved to the UK in 1991. She worked in London at Scotland Yard (the Metropolitan Police), using her genetics background to develop DNA profiles at crime scenes, at LGC Group (Laboratory of the Government Chemist) and subsequently IQVIA. In 2017 founded the pharmaceutical business Clinical Services International (CSI), which provides “comparator” drugs and other related supply services to pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials around the world.
Vanessa Dekou says:
When I arrived at the UK in September 1991, as an undergraduate, I had big dreams about my future. I educated myself to PhD/MBA level and through my education, perseverance and incredible hard work I managed to build CSI from scratch; to contribute to advances in healthcare and create employment and prosperity. I am thrilled and humbled that through Cambridge Judge Business School I am in the fortunate position to give back to our society and inspire other scientists to innovate and progress.
Adds Gishan Dissanaike, Interim Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School:
We are very grateful to Vanessa Dekou for establishing this wonderful scholarship in her name to help fund a Cambridge MBA education for students with a scientific background. Cambridge Judge is proud to integrate vital areas such as healthcare, climate change and technology into our Business School curriculum and activities, so this scholarship will help us to attract people with diverse backgrounds in science who can use their Cambridge Judge experience to advance scientific knowledge.
The Scholarship will be awarded based on academic excellence, and while there is no fixed deadline early application is recommended.
Featured alumna
Vanessa Dekou
Member of the Advisory Board, Cambridge Judge Business School
Founder and Managing Director, Clinical Services International (CSI)
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