It was a joy to host our annual Scholarships Celebration last month in the Reception Room of the Wills Memorial Building, bringing together 74 scholars and 30 members of staff for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration.
This event is a testament to the impact of our philanthropically funded scholarship programmes, which continue to make education accessible to students regardless of background or income. Currently, these programmes support over 514 students across all academic levels, offering not only financial aid but also opportunities for personal and professional growth.
This year, two remarkable scholars, Matt and Mai, took to the stage to share their experiences and express their gratitude for the opportunities their scholarships have provided.
Matt Lodge, an Astrophysics researcher, is receiving financial support from Bristol alumnus Keith Burgess (BSc 1967, PhD 1971, Hon LLD 2000) and is also a recipient of legacy funding through the Physics Endowment Fund. In his speech, Matt spoke on the transformative power of scholarships, giving him the freedom to focus on his research and achieve his dreams. He also gave special thanks to Keith Burgess, whose generosity has directly enabled his academic journey.
‘Simply put, this scholarship has allowed me to live,’ he shared, acknowledging the profound impact of financial support in alleviating the pressure of student debt.
Matt inspired fellow scholarship students in the room with a powerful message:
‘Take any opportunities that come to you. Whether you are working at the cutting edge of your field or embarking on your undergraduate journey, opportunities will present themselves – whether they be chances to visit world-leading establishments, meet Nobel Prize winners, or network with Bristol donors and alumni. Have the confidence to proactively seek these opportunities and take advantage of them.’
Through the support of his scholarship, Matt has been able to attend international conferences in Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.S, collaborating with fellow researchers and sharing his findings. These opportunities have been instrumental in advancing his work on planetary atmospheres, a field that seeks to answer fundamental questions about habitable worlds beyond our own.
Second-year Criminology student Mai, a recipient of the Black Futures Scholarship, spoke passionately about the significance of her scholarship beyond financial support and addressed other scholarship students in the room when she said
‘It is a recognition of all of your achievements and brilliance that has brought you here to Bristol. It is an honour to use my voice to share my story, inspire others, and uplift the Black community. This scholarship represents more than financial support – it is a symbol of opportunity, breaking barriers, and paving the way for those who will come after me.’
Mai reflected on making the most of her time at Bristol so far, engaging in mentorship and networking opportunities that have helped shape her aspirations. Through the Bristol Mentors scheme, she was matched with a senior professional working in her desired field – an experience that has been pivotal in guiding her career ambitions. Additionally, attending scholarship events and workshops has broadened her perspective and strengthened her confidence in pursuing her goals.
If you’d like to find out more about our scholarship and PhD programmes and hear more student stories, you can read more on our impact pages.
Images (c) Dave Pratt Photography.