Sagentia invites applications for 3rd annual STEM bursary

Leading technology advisory and product development company Science Group (AIM: SAG.L) today announced that it is inviting applications for its third successive STEM Bursary scheme. The scheme is part of the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program and aims to support growth and development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills in the UK. Science Group, which was recently rebranded from Sagentia Group and which comprises Sagentia, Oakland Innovation, and OTM Consulting, grants up to 10 bursaries of £2,500 to students at universities across the UK each year.

Since the program’s creation in 2013, more than 15 Science Group bursaries have been awarded to students across a range of STEM courses at leading universities including University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Southampton, University of Bath, Loughborough University and University of Strathclyde.

Ian Maclellan, Student Support and Wellbeing Manager at the University of Strathclyde, comments: “The University of Strathclyde is delighted to have joined the Science Group STEM Bursary Scheme. It offers excellent support and opportunities for Science and Engineering students and we are particularly pleased that two of our students have already benefited from the scheme in our first year of participation”.

Professor Gary Hawley, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath, adds: “The Science Group STEM bursary helps us to inspire more students to study Science and Engineering and ensures that the brightest and best students, whatever their background, have the opportunity to benefit from all that a Bath education has to offer”.

As part of the scheme, many recipients are offered placement roles at Science Group companies, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand how their skills can be used in industry.

Joe Watson, a Bath University student who received a 2014 bursary, says: “My 10-week summer internship at Sagentia’s Harston R&D Centre was a great opportunity to put my Mathematics training to practical use in the real world and I enjoyed meeting the enthusiastic team of scientists that are based there. Knowing that I have the backing of the Science Group has motivated me to succeed in my exams.”

Harry Turner, a Loughborough bursary recipient, adds: “The placement role at Sagentia was one of the most valuable experiences I will take from my degree, not only did the role help me develop all the essential and fundamental skills in becoming an engineer, it also made me realise what I wanted to do when I graduate from university. Overall I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in product design consultancy or studying a similar degree to apply for both the 12-month placement scheme and the STEM bursary. This has been one of the most influential and positive experiences in my career as an engineer.”

Science Group’s CSR program, which includes the Bursary scheme, is focused on both community outreach and STEM education. Other STEM education activities include paid summer placements, sandwich year student positions and contributions towards repayment of student loans. The group also has a Graduate Development Scheme to provide new joiners with structured development of their personal and technical skills.

Tamara Kahn, Corporate Development Director, says: “Science, technology, and engineering are a core part of who we are and what we do across the group. Working internationally we see the value and impact of UK science & technology innovation and our investment in STEM education reflects our commitment to the future of our industry. We’re very pleased to be able to offer this support and it’s been great to see some of the recent bursary recipients joining us for summer and year placements over the last couple of years.”

The closing date for applications is 18 September 2015.