The Faraday Institution Scholars Programme

 Funding individuals from under-represented groups in STEM during their undergraduate studies

In the autumn of 2019, the Faraday Institution began providing bursaries to nine highly talented undergraduate students studying at five of the universities involved in the organisation’s original research projects - Warwick, Imperial, Newcastle, Southampton and UCL. The Faraday Institution Scholars Programme was set up to support academically strong students from groups historically under-represented in science careers (ethnic minorities, women, and the socio-economically disadvantaged) to achieve STEM degrees.

The goal was to help the scholars thrive in their pursuit of scientific and engineering careers and to develop knowledge, skills, and aspirations to prepare them for potential careers in the fields of battery technology or energy storage.

The programme was inspired by Michael Faraday, namesake of the institution, who rose from the working classes to be an eminent scientist in the field of electrochemistry.

The bursary programme offered students financial support, mentorship, career coaching, a paid summer internship in an energy storage laboratory in their university (or with an appropriate industry partner), and access to senior battery researchers. The annual bursary of £4,500 (for up to four years) could be used to cover educational and/or housing costs.

Success stories from the programme

The Faraday Scholars are now completing their undergraduate studies and taking the next steps in their careers. As they transition into new roles post-graduation, they reflected on how the support from the Faraday Institution has been beneficial.

Digeesh Dookraz has completed his MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics with Spacecraft Engineering at the University of Southampton and is now exploring a range of job offers and opportunities. He comments:

The Faraday Institution Scholarship has been an incredible source of support during my university journey, from the personalised 1-to-1 mentoring scheme to the enriching FUSE summer internship. Being a Faraday Scholar has not only helped me discover more about myself but has also equipped me with invaluable skills, including leadership and critical thinking, that are applicable to all facets of life.

Working closely with world-class researchers and gaining exposure to the battery technology industry has been truly inspiring, fuelling my aspiration to pursue a career within the sustainable energy sector. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Faraday Institution team.”

Sarah Blackhall has completed her MEng in Mechanical Engineering with Energy at Newcastle University and is now a graduate consultant in the energy department at ARUP. She comments:

Throughout my time at university the continued support of the Faraday Institution scholarship allowed me to reach my full academic potential. I was able to fully focus on my studies, which enabled me to graduate with First Class Honours and also be awarded the IMechE Best Student award for my course. The encouragement I received from the Faraday community helped to sustain my hard work and has inspired me to continue down an energy related career path.”

Anna Marija Sumrova completed an MSci in Chemistry at Imperial College London before moving to the position of Senior Organic R&D Chemist at AS Olainfarm.

Being part of the Faraday battery community has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities, connecting me with brilliant minds and pioneers in the field. In this environment of innovation and collaboration, I gained not just knowledge and skills but also a profound sense of purpose. I am more determined than ever to contribute, both, personally and scientifically, to the ongoing efforts to address global energy challenges. The Faraday Institution scholarship has not only been a financial support but a catalyst for my personal and professional growth, shaping me into a stronger scientist and a dedicated advocate for a greener future.”

Thomas Black completed an MEng in Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University before taking a position in the graduate engineering scheme at Essity in Prudhoe.

The Faraday scholarship allowed me to perform my research project in an area I am passionate about, thanks to the connections formed from being part of the Faraday battery community. Additionally, access to the monthly masterclasses were great to learn about the battery industry from those within it. The financial contribution also helped me focus on my studies at Newcastle and not worry about getting a part time job.”

Robert Bradbury gained a First-class Master of Chemistry degree from the University of Southampton and has started a PGCE in Secondary Chemistry at the same university.

Receiving the scholarship from the Faraday Institution has not only provided me with the financial support to enable me to study chemistry, but it has exposed me to the wide range of battery research being carried out across the country. This opportunity will allow me to inspire students to pursue careers in battery technology throughout my teaching career.”

We wish the Faraday Scholars well in the next steps of their STEM careers.

The Faraday Institution now focuses its support for undergraduate students through the Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE) internship programme, which sees around 50 participants each year.

Photos of Scholars from left to right: Digeesh Dookraz, Sarah Blackhall, Anna Marija Sumrova, Thomas Black, Robert Bradbury

Blog post published October 2023.