IChemE bursary to fund postgrad catalysis summer school attendance

ICHEME has launched a new bursary to fund 20 postgraduate students to attend a summer school programme, to enhance their knowledge in catalysis.

Catalysis: Fundamentals and Practice offers chemical engineering postgraduates an introduction to the fundamental aspects of catalysts. It also promises to broaden and update knowledge in the field, describe frontier developments, and facilitate discussion and formation of new professional contacts. Attendees will have the chance to learn from leading researchers and industrialists set to present at the event.

The summer school is organised and hosted biennially by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, UK. This year, it will be held from 18–22 July and applications close on 31 May.

The newly-introduced bursary will award each person up to £2,000 (US$2,683) in travel expenses (including for visa fees, where required), and up to £1,000 to cover accommodation and course fees. It is open to EngD, MSc, and PhD students worldwide who can travel to and stay in the UK for the duration of the programme.

IChemE is funding the bursary under the Andrew Legacy scheme, intended to support researchers working in heterogenous catalysis. The scheme is funded by a donation made to IChemE by the late Professor Syd Andrew, an IChemE Fellow and distinguished expert in the field of catalysis. Activities under the scheme are coordinated and supported by the Andrew Panel, a group of IChemE member volunteers.

Marc-Olivier Coppens, Chair of the Andrew Panel and Professor at University College London, said: “Professor Syd Andrew FRS was a leader in chemical engineering and heterogeneous catalysis, and he was a strong proponent of science-based industry. His legacy has already had a huge influence on the careers of early-career researchers across the chemical engineering and chemistry communities. We at IChemE are delighted to introduce this new bursary to enable more students to learn and develop their practical skills in catalysis through this extensive learning programme organised successfully for many years by the University of Liverpool.”

Jonathan Iggo, Reader of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool and summer school organiser, said: “The long-established summer school Catalysis: Fundamentals and Practice is widely regarded as the premier event of its type for MSc and PhD students in catalysis and for new starts in industry. The summer school aims to introduce students to a wider appreciation of catalysis and its impact outside their own research project, to afford participants the opportunity to meet and interact with some leading practitioners in the field and as a forum for students to meet and form networks with their peers that will support them throughout their careers.

“We are delighted to receive sponsorship from IChemE’s Andrew Legacy Scheme, which has enabled us to offer bursaries to allow deserving students in chemical engineering and related fields to attend the summer school.”

Those interested can learn more about the eligibility criteria, and apply, online.