Rhodes Trust Network for Good

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Connecting people and ideas with an intent to change the world

Rooted in the mission of the Rhodes Trust, to build a better world through global fellowship programmes that develop and connect public-spirited, innovative people committed to solving humanity’s challenges, the Network for Good harnesses the collective power of the Rhodes community and its partner programmes. Together, they form a vibrant ecosystem of changemakers: thinking boldly, acting collaboratively, and turning ideas into impact.

Who are in the Rhodes Trust Network for Good?

The Network for Good serves both Scholars/Fellows in Residence and also the alumni communities.

Rhodes Scholars Over 5000 international leaders, from more than 50 countries, who have gone on to serve at the forefront of education, business, science, medicine, the arts, politics and beyond.

There are two core partners:

Atlantic Fellows 1,200 leaders from over 90 countries, who share a deep commitment to advancing fairer, healthier and more inclusive societies. The Atlantic Institute connects seven global Atlantic Fellows programmes, providing opportunities for collaborative learning and action.

Schmidt Science Fellows Over 240 trailblazing researchers from 40 countries, working across scientific disciplines to create new ways of thinking and develop creative solutions. The Fellowship engages with organisations in more than 90 countries on initiatives to advance interdisciplinary science, generate knowledge, and accelerate discoveries to benefit the world.

There are two affiliated partners:

Mandela Rhodes Scholars African leaders who are committed to positive change.

Rise Fellows 400 youth, identified at ages 15-17, reflecting 103 nationalities, who serve others over their lifetimes, and work toward solving humanity's most pressing problems.

What does the Rhodes Trust Network for Good do?

The Network for Good is more than just an organisational partnership. It is a dynamic network of shared purpose. It connects people across disciplines, cultures, and continents, offering opportunities for Scholars and Fellows to learn from one another, spark new collaborations, and inspire positive change.

Through this spirit of connection, the Network is already bringing new energy and ideas to life.

Types of general activity areas:

· Individuals working together across partnerships to achieve notable impact

· Spaces for joint action and collaborations – coming together virtually, at Rhodes House and in regional hubs to brainstorm, learn and create change.

· Communities solving problems more effectively because they are working together.

· More global reach, diverse backgrounds – artists, local government, different ways of having impact and connection.

· Cross-community opportunities to participate in events, discussions, and collaborations around the globe, strengthening bonds across the Trust’s worldwide family.

· Staff team learning and shared resources

· Full partner and Rhodes engagement in leadership groups, governance, and working groups, ensuring a shared voice and collective direction for the future.

Examples of specific collaborations:

· Schmidt Science Fellows hosted by Rhodes Scholars in their labs, contributing insights and expertise to cutting-edge scientific endeavours.

· A joint mentoring platform for early career development.

· Jointly hosted “Science@Rhodes” evenings, welcoming inspirational science speakers to Rhodes House and fostering meaningful cross-community engagement.

· Scholar in Residence opportunities that allow Rhodes Scholars to join sessions of the Schmidt Science Fellows’ Science Leadership Program, deepening shared learning and leadership development.

· Co-hosted networking events at key international gatherings forge connections for greater external impact, eg Rhodes Scholars and Atlantic Fellows at COP and the Skoll World Forum.

· Contributions to public debate on key issues of our time, for example Rhodes Scholar chapters in the Atlantic Institute’s journal, The Equity Review, which draws authors from multiple scholarships and beyond to address the theme of Climate Equity for its first edition, due to publish in 2027 with Oxford University Press.

Each activity shows how much more we can achieve together than apart. The Network for Good amplifies what makes each programme and community special through diversity of perspectives, expertise, and experiences, and combines these strengths for collective action.

By building bridges across disciplines, countries, and generations, the Network for Good nurtures a global community that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is a network of possibilities, where connections can lead to deeper, faster, positive change.