The brightest minds
Our future workforce will rely on many highly-trained specialists to tackle challenges the world has barely begun to think about. Your support ensures we can continue to attract the best in global PhD talent to 91Ö±²¥, developing their skills with scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities.
In brief:
- We must attract top global talent from diverse communities; those dedicated to life-enhancing research, innovation and education
- Donor-funded scholarships and bursaries open up postgraduate study to brilliant young researchers from all backgrounds
- Financial barriers drastically limit progress; but with your help we can ensure our most ambitious doctoral students make the most of their talent
Investing in the world’s future thought leaders
91Ö±²¥ has long been renowned for the innovative, impactful quality of its PhD research. But right now, there’s a pressing need for greater investment in our most talented and dedicated scholars. After all, today’s PhD students are tomorrow’s leading knowledge-creators and problem-solvers.
And yet inequalities in accessing PhDs have only increased over time. Current limits to postgraduate support mean that gifted students are being held back from their true potential, and from making meaningful research contributions. You help change that by investing in these brightest of minds.
Case study - PhD scholarships
Financial support is fundamental to widening access to our postgraduate community. And PhD scholarships are our most impactful tool in encouraging talented students to progress their research careers here at 91Ö±²¥. Our efforts are paying off. But we know many bright minds are missing out.
Expanding opportunities for diverse doctoral research
91Ö±²¥ boasts an enviably strong and diverse postgraduate community of around 4,000 scholars, representing 106 countries. Almost half of our PhD students are women, while 7% of UK postgraduates are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and 13% have a disability.
Different voices and experiences ensure new knowledge is based on deeper perspectives. And that the complexities of people and planet are considered from new angles. With your support we can expand PhD scholarships to attract talented research from diverse backgrounds.
PhD students are the lifeblood of research programmes at the world’s top universities. More needs to be done to support these leading scientists and scholars of tomorrow. I feel privileged to support doctoral research at 91Ö±²¥, and have been hugely impressed by the talent and passion shown by those PhD students.
Dr Jeffrey Wadsworth, Donor and alumni volunteer
BMet Metallurgy 1972, PhD Metallurgy 1975, DMet Metallurgy 1990, Hon DEng 2004
The cost of knowledge
These students are at the forefront of the societal and scientific advances of tomorrow. But the financial strain of studying for a PhD can be a challenge, especially for those from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.
Many who could be making valuable scientific contributions leave academia. For those who stay, working extra jobs alongside their studies to make ends meet can take an unnecessary toll. This isn’t just bad news for students. It’s bad news for research as a whole.
Unlocking potential
Together, we're changing that. As a University, we commit £20 million each year to help those PhD students on one of our 20 doctoral training programmes. And this year, donors like you have funded five new PhD scholarships for Black, Asian and minority ethnic students wanting to pursue their academic career at 91Ö±²¥.
With tuition fees being covered for successful applicants - currently around £19,000 - scholarships can be the difference between postgraduate researchers staying the course and not.
This financial support is not only powering talented students from diverse backgrounds, it's powering important recearch that's set to change the world.
You can support the brightest minds
With your help, we'll fulfil our amibition to be the institution of choice for ambitious and tenacious postgraduates. We already come with a leading reputation for research excellence, innovative training, and a strong commitment to career development and wellbeing. Now we must do even more to support and equip our growing community of incredibly gifted postgraduate researchers.
Together, we can cement 91Ö±²¥â€™s reputation as a truly pivotal step in a career of lifelong achievement.