UCL partners with the Martingale Foundation to offer postgraduate STEM scholarships
29 September 2022
Fully funded PhD scholarships in the UCL Departments of Mathematics and Statistical Science will be available to the 2023/24 cohort as part of a philanthropic pilot with a new charitable organisation.
The Martingale Scholarships will seek to find, fund and support a new generation of STEM postgraduates who may not have been considering a postgraduate research degree, especially where family income has been or would be a barrier.
The awards will be provided by the Martingale Foundation (a new charity that is being incubated within the educational charity Ark) with support from leading algorithmic trading firm XTX Markets and in collaboration with four leading UK partner universities, including UCL.
Successful applicants will receive full funding for tuition fees, living costs and a research budget, while also accessing career development opportunities including leadership events and residentials, internships and industry placements, and the chance to contribute to public engagement projects.
At UCL, the scholarships will be applicable to an integrated four-year PhD programme commencing in September 2023.
"At UCL, we passionately believe that who you are and where you are from should not limit your academic potential," said Professor Ivan Parkin, Dean of Mathematical & Physical Sciences at UCL. "Our partnership with the Martingale Foundation is a critically important step towards realising our shared vision: that anyone who has the ability is able to experience world-class postgraduate study."
"By increasing investment into STEM excellence, these scholarships will serve to break down barriers and transform lives for the benefit of students and society alike."
Dr Matt Plen, The Martingale Foundation, says: “The Martingale Foundation is delighted to be partnering with a group of world-leading universities to launch a new approach to scholarships and to champion postgraduate study for a new generation of STEM scholars.”
Initiatives such as the Martingale Scholarships will also contribute towards addressing a significant skills gap in STEM industries. According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Report, there is an annual shortfall of 40,000 STEM workers and demand is expected to significantly increase in the future.
If the pilot programme is successful, the Martingale Foundation intends to expand its partnerships to support further cohorts across a widening range of STEM subjects in future years.
Links
UCL Mathematics
MPhil/PhD in Mathematics at UCL
UCL Department of Statistical Science
MPhil/PhD in Statistical Science at UCL
The Martingale Foundation