Thursday, 27 May 2021
A physics student from the 糖心原创 has been awarded one of this year’s prestigious grants from the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.
Robert Smith is studying for a PhD in physics and has been awarded a scholarship for his research that looks at new theories in quantum gravity and string theory which will expand our understanding of the universe and the possibilities of spacetime.
The innovative fund was set up by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and the Institute of Physics (IOP), the UK and Ireland’s professional body for physicists.
Dame Jocelyn, a former president of the IOP, was awarded the 2019 in Fundamental Physics for her role in the discovery of pulsars, and for her continued scientific leadership and engagement with the scientific and wider communities.
The Breakthrough Prize included award included £2.3m which she immediately donated to the IOP to help counter what she described as ‘the unconscious bias that still exists in physics research’ saying: "I don't need the money myself and it seemed to me that this was perhaps the best use I could put it to."
The Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund that resulted is an innovative doctoral scholarships fund that aims to encourage diversity in physics by assisting students from groups under-represented in the physics research community to undertake physics PhD programmes.
Students encouraged to apply include women, people with refugee status, and ethnic minority, disabled, financially disadvantaged and other students who would otherwise struggle to complete a course of postgraduate study due to their circumstances.
In 2019/20, just 25% of physics undergraduate students were female, and 81% of UK-domiciled physics undergraduates were white.1
Robert’s physics journey has not been straightforward. His Asperger’s has made school and university difficult environments to navigate. Thanks to his hard work and determination, along with support from his university, he’s about to embark on his PhD. He said: “I’m both proud and honoured to have been awarded the scholarship for the duration of my PhD, in which I will be looking into M-theory. I’m also proud to have affiliation with the Institute of Physics and to take on an ambassadorial role."
To pursue a PhD at such a wonderful university and as part of a very cool research group, to get to continue working with Tony Padilla and also Ed Copeland and study my maths and physics in an encouraging environment, is kind of life-changing.
As part of the selection process, applicants are asked how they would act as be ambassadors for the Fund, to help introduce other students to it.
Professor Helen Gleeson, Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Leeds, is the Chair of Judges. She said:“It’s a privilege to play a part in identifying and working with the recipients of the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.
“The competition was very tough, with a large number of excellent students applying. I was hugely impressed by the candidates,but saddened that without funds such as this they probably cannot take that next step in their careers.
“This year we were able to double the number of awards made due to fundraising by the Institute of Physics that builds on Dame Jocelyn’s donation. That meant that eight thoroughly deserving students can embark on a PhD who would not have otherwise been able to do so.
“The difference that this fund is making is perhaps encapsulated in what one student said to me on learning of their award of a Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship: ‘I can’t emphasise how much this means to me. …I am looking forward to mentoring future students in the same nurturing manner that (he and) other academics have done for me… Thank you for changing my life.’
“The successful applicants are all embarking on exciting research projects, and we are looking forward to them inspiring others in their ambassadorial role.”
To be able to hear what it means to the lives and futures of those who have and are now receiving scholarships is heartening for all of us who are committed to improving diversity in physics.
We know that diversity means better research, and together with our continued commitment to support the physics community in being an inclusive environment within which everyone can thrive, we will see significant changes. Dame Jocelyn鈥檚 generosity has made this possible and we remain incredibly proud that we are able to run this scheme and be part of seeing greater diversity of those able to go on to study for their PhDs.
Read more about Robert and his research here:
Story credits
More information is available from Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.