Her Excellency announces Bond University graduate Molly Swanson as Queensland 2026 Rhodes Scholar

Her Excellency, as Chair of the Rhodes Scholarship Queensland Selection Committee, has announced Bond University graduate, lawyer and AI researcher Molly Swanson as the Queensland 2026 Rhodes Scholar.

The Governor was thrilled to personally deliver the news to Ms Swanson late yesterday afternoon, before welcoming Molly and her parents to join the Selection Committee at Government House to celebrate the official announcement.

Ms Swanson, 23, graduated with her Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics in 2024. She received the Bond 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.

Ms Swanson will use her Rhodes Scholarship to undertake a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Master of Science in Social Science of the Internet at the University of Oxford, where she plans to focus on AI transparency and human rights.

“I am privileged to have studied the intersection between law and AI, which are two complex and often inaccessible sectors,” she 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. My studies at Oxford will empower me 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.”

Ms Swanson’s passion for helping others began early.

At age six, she began donating her hair to make wigs for children with cancer, inspiring over 20 girls to join her.

At 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.

Ms Swanson 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.”