CAMBRIDGE INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP Bursary

The two-year bursary aims to support and develop the ‘Game Changing’ sustainability leaders of tomorrow who will drive environmental corporate behaviour where they work and beyond. This is the fifth scholarship we have has funded, and we plan to support more.

The Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership is a full Master’s degree, delivered part-time over two years for working professionals. The course is part of The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership’s (CISL) mission to encourage the empowerment of both individuals and organisations in sustainability, giving them the tools and the confidence to tackle critical global challenges. 

The Scholarship is fully accredited by the University of Cambridge and is delivered as an interdisciplinary programme by CISL, drawing on an array of academic expertise including the Departments of Engineering, Geography, Land Economy and the Cambridge Judge Business School.

Applicants apply for this Master’s scholarship through the standard University of Cambridge University admissions process. This is then followed by a separate scholarship application letter covering how applicants are aspiring to be future change agents for sustainability and why additional financial support is needed. Shortlisted scholarship applicants were invited for a panel interview.

Based in London, Varnika currently serves as Director of Legal at Climate Asset Management (CAM) - a global leader in natural capital investment managing over US$1 billion in assets. With over eight years of experience, her work centres on navigating the legal complexities of impact private equity, with a strong focus on ensuring capital flows to regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Her role at CAM bridges high-level financial structuring and intricate legal compliance, particularly within the realms of ESG regulations, voluntary carbon markets, and international tax frameworks. Her efforts have helped develop actionable investment strategies that are not only environmentally sound but tailored for emerging markets and underrepresented stakeholders.

Varnika’s influence and leadership have not gone unnoticed. She has earned global recognition, most notably winning the Legal500 ESG Rising Star Award (2025) and the Environmental Finance Rising Star Award (2024) - both acknowledgements of her ability to fuse legal acumen with a deep-rooted commitment to climate impact.

Speaking about the scholarship, Varnika reflects on its significance:

"I am absolutely delighted to be awarded the Delphis Eco Scholarship to pursue the Master’s in Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge. This scholarship is enabling me to pursue my vision to learn from experts and create sustainable investment solutions to address the climate crisis.

“To be supported by a pioneering company like Delphis Eco—whose values align so closely with my own—is incredibly meaningful. Their belief in my potential strengthens my resolve to drive impactful change"

The MSt in Sustainability Leadership, delivered by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), is a rigorous two-year, part-time programme designed for working professionals across sectors. Drawing on expertise from across the University—including the Departments of Engineering, Geography, Land Economy, and the Judge Business School—the course empowers its students with the knowledge, tools, and networks to become agents of meaningful change.

For Delphis Eco, this is the sixth scholarship it has funded since 2018. Founder and Managing Director Mark Jankovich sees the initiative as central to the company’s mission:

“Since 2018, we’ve been proud to support the leaders of tomorrow who are taking bold steps to address the planet’s most pressing challenges. The Master’s in Sustainability Leadership is exactly the kind of programme we want to align ourselves with – rigorous, practical, and transformative.”

“Sustainability isn’t just a moral imperative – it’s a business opportunity. Organisations that embed sustainable practices often report lower costs, increased customer and employee loyalty, and stronger long-term growth. By investing in future leaders like Varnika, we’re investing in solutions that will shape a better future for all.”

With her sharp legal mind, proven track record, and now the backing of both Delphis Eco and the University of Cambridge, Varnika Chawla is poised to become a defining force in the global movement toward sustainable investment and climate resilience.