Bond University graduate Molly Swanson is Queensland’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar.
Ms Swanson, 23, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics in 2024.
She will use the world’s most prestigious scholarship to study AI transparency and human rights at the University of Oxford, undertaking a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Master of Science in Social Science of the Internet.
While at Bond, Ms Swanson received the University Medal for Law, the Una Prentice Award for the highest-achieving female law graduate and was named Valedictorian of the Faculty of Society and Design.
She is currently working as an Associate to a Supreme Court judge in the Queensland Court of Appeal.
The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland and Chair of the Rhodes selection panel, announced the prestigious award at Government House in Brisbane.
“I am privileged to have studied the intersection between law and AI, which are two complex and often inaccessible sectors,” Ms Swanson said.
“I hope to use this to champion legal mechanisms for AI accountability that are accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and levels of education.
“I am constantly questioning why legal systems designed before the advent of AI should remain unchallenged.”
Ms Swanson said her studies at Oxford would empower her to collaborate with private corporations and government departments to strengthen practical commitments to AI transparency.
“I aim to be a thoughtful disruptor who asks difficult questions and centres the AI law dialogue on rights and public accountability.
“I am committed to ensuring that transparency mechanisms in AI serve and empower people of all backgrounds, regardless of their level of education.”
Early leadership
Ms Swanson’s passion for helping others began early.
At six, she began donating her hair to make wigs for children with cancer, inspiring more than 20 girls to join her.
In secondary school she served as College Captain during the COVID-19 pandemic and founded a girls’ futsal program that grew to over 60 students.
She has volunteered with LawRight, Women’s Legal Services Queensland and the Sony Foundation, and participated in the Queensland Youth Parliament where she was named Most Outstanding Speaker.
“I have consistently sought formal and informal opportunities to lead and serve,” Ms Swanson said.
She has also excelled in research, winning the Australian Institute of Administrative Law Essay Prize for her blog on automated decision-making, and presenting at the New Scholarly Horizons Conference on AI and administrative law.
She said she hoped to contribute to the Rhodes community by sharing her experience as a first-generation university student and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.
“I believe that the most pressing global challenges and most transformative opportunities lie between disciplines,” she said.
“At Oxford, I will help cultivate an environment where scholars feel empowered to exchange ideas and pursue ambitious public-minded goals.”
University praise
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, congratulated Ms Swanson.
"Our entire Bond University community is delighted with the news of Molly’s prestigious award," he said.
"Molly excelled at her studies at Bond and threw herself into campus life and took every opportunity to extend her learning and student experience beyond the classroom.
"The Rhodes Scholarship is the ultimate award for excellence and we are so proud of Molly’s deserved accolade."
Bond's second scholar
Ms Swanson is Bond University’s second Rhodes Scholar.
The first was Dr Glenn Leighton who graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Laws.
The former investment banker is the founder and CEO of Hydrophis, a clean technology company that turns waste brine into valuable minerals and clean water using eco-friendly processes. He lives in the UK.
About the Rhodes Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarships were established in 1903 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding all-round students and enables them to study at the University of Oxford.
More than 100 scholars are selected each year from countries such as Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The qualities Cecil Rhodes set out for those seeking Rhodes Scholarships include academic and intellectual excellence; integrity of character; respect for fellow beings; and a capacity for leadership.
More than 500 Australian Rhodes Scholars have been selected since the scheme began.
A Rhodes Scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend and return airfare.
Previous Rhodes scholars include former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, former US president Bill Clinton and author Naomi Wolf.