Heath Dimsey, who is studying for a PhD in mathematics at the University of Tasmania, is Tasmania’s Rhodes Scholar for 2026.
The Rhodes Scholarship supports outstanding all-round students to study at the University of Oxford and aims to nurture public-spirited leaders for the future.
Mr Dimsey, from Hobart, studied at Clarence High School and Rosny College and holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Mathematics and Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of Tasmania.
He said was overwhelmed to be named Tasmania’s Rhodes Scholar-elect and was looking forward to learning from mathematicians from around the world at the University of Oxford.
“At Oxford I’ll be studying mathematical biology and mathematical ecology, so that’s the mathematics behind how people do conservation work and hopefully prevent certain species from going extinct,” Mr Dimsey said.
“I hope to be able to bring that back to Tasmania and look after our important species such as the Tasmanian devil, our wombats, but also some of the species we don’t think about like our small frogs and our earthworms.”
Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, chairs the Tasmanian Selection Committee for the Rhodes Scholarship.
“The task of the Selection Committee was once again very difficult, as all applicants demonstrated academic excellence in their various fields,” Her Excellency said.
“I wish all applicants well in their future careers and congratulate Mr Dimsey as he embarks on his studies in the United Kingdom next year.”
In addition to each State and Territory selecting a Rhodes Scholar, the Rhodes Trust also selects ‘Australia-at-Large’ Scholars, with each State and Territory able to nominate one or two candidates for consideration by a National Selection Panel.
This year, the Tasmanian Selection Committee nominated Neve Clippingdale and Jakob Haas to be considered as ‘Australia-at-Large’ Scholars.
Photo of Heath Dimsey by Peter W. Allen