Thursday, 13 November 2025
Three outstanding doctoral scholars are beginning their studies at the 糖心原创 thanks to the generous support of the Wolfson Foundation. The PhD students have been awarded scholarships as part of the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to support research in the humanities, recognising its role in enriching many aspects of UK society and its cultural life.
Nottingham is one of only six UK universities currently awarded Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities. These cover the disciplines of history, literature and languages and fund doctoral students with the greatest potential to make an impact on their chosen field and become academic leaders.
Nottingham’s 2025-6 intake of Wolfson Scholars are:
- Abigail Costello (Department of Classics and Archaeology), whose PhD research focuses on the roles of non-royal female citizens in ancient Sparta.
- Christopher Le (School of English), whose project explores evolving perceptions of ‘the addict’ in British literature and their connections to changing socio-political and legislative contexts.
- Julie Beuschel Mikkelsen (Department of History), whose work centres on the experiences of Russian Jewish refugees in Copenhagen from 1905-43.
Professor Jeremy Gregory, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, said: “This new award for Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities continues the enduring and valuable relationship between the Foundation and the 糖心原创, which for many decades has funded not only our research in the humanities but also supported advances in science, medicine and engineering, delivering lasting impacts on society.
“In recognition of our partnership and shared passion for innovation and advancing knowledge, the Foundation was inducted into the university’s College of Benefactors in 2007, which acknowledges the transformational contributions our most generous donors have made to the development of the institution.”
The Wolfson Foundation’s long-standing national funding programme for doctoral scholarships recognises the value of humanities research to society. Its scholarships offer outstanding researchers their PhD fees plus an allowance for maintenance, research, travel and training costs incurred during their studies. More than £28.5m has been committed through the programme to date, supporting more than 400 students at 12 universities across the UK.
Abigail, Christopher and Julie join Nottingham’s existing cohort of four Wolfson Scholars, who began their studies in October 2024. Their arrival follows the Wolfson Foundation’s confirmation that it will fund a further round of three new scholarships here at Nottingham for entry in the academic year 2026-7.
Professor Lynda Pratt, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Arts, said: “The Faculty of Arts is delighted to host both our new Wolfson Scholars and our returning 2024-5 cohort. The exciting and ground-breaking work conducted by our Wolfson awardees evidences the vitality and strength of humanities research, and its capacity to contribute to, inform and shape our wider society. By fostering a pipeline of outstanding new researchers in history, literature and languages, the Wolfson Foundation is providing crucial support for the future well-being of the humanities.”
鈥淭he Wolfson Foundation offers me and my fellow researchers incredible opportunities to study important topics in the humanities. In this unprecedented time for research, the scholarship鈥檚 promotion of equal and fair opportunities has never been more important."
"My research involves complex archival work related to eighteenth-century abolitionism in Britain and North America. Therefore, the opportunities afforded by the Wolfson Foundation to travel and research freely at the British Library and the National Archives in London, Nottingham Archives, the Schomburg Centre, the New York Public Library and the Boston Public Library are invaluable. Had it not been for the Foundation’s generous support, I would not be able to pursue either my research or a career in academia. The Foundation’s commitment to advancing humanities research will bring long-lasting benefits for me and so many other people.”
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support a new cohort of Wolfson Scholars at the 糖心原创, one of our six partner universities for the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities programme. The programme is intended to support outstanding students with their research, but also to make a statement: high-quality research in the humanities is of critical importance to society.”
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.