New research scholarships to commemorate University founder

New research scholarships to commemorate University founder

The University of Aberdeen is launching a new programme of research scholarships to honour its medieval founder and his commitment to excellence.

This year the University celebrates the life and legacy of William Elphinstone (1431-1514),  Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, who founded King’s College in 1495 as Scotland’s third university and the fifth in the UK.

The papal bull document granting authorisation to begin building in Old Aberdeen stated that the university would be dedicated to “the pursuit of truth in the service of others”.  Through  subsequent centuries, this seat of learning has remained true to this mission, and produced outstanding graduates and exporting world-shaping ideas to the far reaches of the globe.

The new Elphinstone Scholarship Programme is being offered to high-achieving students from anywhere in the world looking to begin a PhD programme at the University of Aberdeen in autumn 2014. Students receiving one of the 100 scholarships on offer will have their fees waived for each year of their PhD.

Professor Claire Wallace, Vice-Principal for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said  “The University has an outstanding history of pioneering discoveries which have changed thinking and practice in medicine, science, arts and humanities over five centuries. World class universities are about creating and using knowledge to make a difference.

“Aberdeen offers a stimulating, supportive and inspiring environment for postgraduate students seeking a career in research.  Students work alongside academics who are world-leading in their field, in high-quality facilities on a campus with an ambitious investment plan They also benefit hugely from a comprehensive training and development programme, and the outstanding quality of life and leisure for which north-east Scotland is famed.”

“We look forward to receiving applications for Elphinstone PhD Scholarships across our three Colleges and in our four multi-disciplinary research themes of  Energy, Environment & Food Security, Pathways to a Healthy Life, and The North.”