11 August 2017
For over thirty years, SCI has supported and recognised the excellence of early career people, by aiding their studies in the form of an SCI Scholarship.
Since 1985, over 70 scholarships have been awarded which have not only given the recipients financial assistance, but have enabled them to broaden their network as well as strengthen their skills and knowledge. SCI Scholars receive access to publishing and mentoring opportunities and are given a platform to present their work amongst esteemed scientists and industrialists, thus raising their profile within the scientific community. In the past eight years alone, SCI has generously bequeathed over £115,000 of its charitable funds to SCI Scholars and the scientists of the future.
Angelica Orsi received an SCI Scholarship in 2015. Below she tells us what being an SCI Scholar has enabled her to do.
What has the Scholarship from SCI enabled you to do that would not have been possible otherwise?
Having been awarded the SCI Scholarship, further opportunities with SCI have been presented to me: being invited to join the SCI Scotland Group Committee, being a student in the pilot SCI Mentoring Scheme, being an SCI Ambassador at the University of St Andrews, attending the Voice of the Future 2017 in Westminster, and writing event review articles published on the SCI website. All of these activities have allowed me to interact with scientists from many different disciplines.
What has been the most valuable part of receiving the Scholarship?
Networking at the various events I attended: SCI AGM 2017, SCI Career Days 2016 (Glasgow) and 2017 (Edinburgh), SCI Day of Scholars. I have met many interesting people who have provided me with their own experiences of academia and industry. This insight would not have been acquired without the SCI Scholarship.
Which achievement are you most proud of in your academic career so far?
I was so happy and proud in 2015 to receive the news that my application to the SCI College of Scholars was successful and that I was one of the three lucky PhD students. I already felt fortunate to be doing a research project that is contributing to an EU consortium aiming to capture CO2 from flue gases - a notable topic for today's society. Winning the SCI Scholarship was the icing on the cake!
What impact do you think receiving the Scholarship will have on your future career?
The SCI Scholarship has provided me with unique experiences and simply having it on my CV is significant. By joining the SCI Mentoring Scheme, I was introduced to Dr Claire Rees (Mexichem scientist), who has provided guidance for my future career plans and helped me prepare a functional CV. Without the SCI Scholarship I would not have been introduced to my mentor.
What next?
Once my PhD studies are complete (December 2017), I hope to continue to carry out research work in the topics of porous materials or materials chemistry for an industrial company. Also, I have considered patent attorney roles, but I am not sure I am ready to give up laboratory work yet!
Is there anything else that you would like to highlight or note about your SCI Scholarship?
The SCI Scholarship opened many doors to opportunities on many different levels in my two-year tenure and I know I will feel its benefits for many years to come. I hope that future SCI Scholars are as fortunate as myself in receiving the same benefits. I wish to thank all at SCI for giving such a fruitful opportunity to me as I feel very privileged indeed!
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