
Nazdar Ayzit and Aaron Huq joined King’s in October, to study for one-year MPhils in Economics and Modern South Asian Studies respectively. Both want to use their time at King’s and their own experiences to help create change and develop a greater understanding of the economic and social realities that drive global inequalities.
Nazdar is a Kurd, and grew up in Turkey. With her MPhil she is studying issues of low social trust among discriminated and marginalised minorities. ‘When I first heard back about the Quantedge Foundation’s decision to grant me the scholarship, I had to check the email a few – or a few dozen – times to make sure I was not delusional! How could I be so lucky, in a world that has so little compassion for, or even knowledge of, the Kurdish existence. With this opportunity I want to look at what factors determine the observed social distrust of discriminated minorities – and how development policies can drive sustainable growth by winning back that trust.’
Aaron is from Bangladesh originally. Their research focuses on indigenous lives and voices in South Asian history, whose history is often forgotten or forcefully removed from the mainstream narrative. Aaron’s hope is to continue with a PhD, and ultimately an academic career.
The Quantedge-Cambridge Refugee Scholarship at King’s is now in its fifth year. It was first awarded in 2020, and is available annually, in support of students who have come from regions of instability or conflict. Applications for the academic year 2025/2026 are now open.