News

March 31 deadline for Exceptional Contribution Award applications If you are in the process or plan to do an exceptional piece of research to benefit society then the Exceptional Contribution Award could be for you. The ideal applicant is likely to be involved in, but not limited to, the fields of medical, scientific or engineering advancement. If you want to be considered for this award, make sure you get in touch with the Trust using the Contact Form on the website giving a brief description of your project and contact details. Jane, the Trust Administrator, will contact you to discuss your project in more detail and advise on the next steps of the application process. Case study – Thomas O’Shea – Exceptional Contribution Award Thomas was aware of the Exceptional Contribution Award as an alumnus of EWS Educational Trust. He had previously received funding from the Trust towards his MSc in Geophysics from University College London in 2011. His relative connection to the rail freight industry is through Jonathan O’Shea who has previously worked for DB Shenker Cargo as a Technical Safety Supervisor. Thomas is undertaking his PhD research in Complex Geographic Systems Analysis at the University of Bristol, with Cambridge and Vrije University Amsterdam, supporting in an advisory capacity. His research is an inter-disciplinary project working closely across the departments of Geography and Engineering. Thomas’s research is in response to the large-scale flooding that took place in the north of England in December 2015, and the national capability, or lack thereof, in deploying effective flood incident management during such events. Incidents of flooding are viewed as the hazard to which the United Kingdom is most ‘at risk’ of being subjected to in the future. In summary, the intention of Thomas’s research is to develop a new type of scientific model with a view to providing a freely available tool for improved understanding and identification of the ways in which human behaviour determines the outcome of natural disasters, and vice-versa, in a simple; yet accurate format. As well as receiving funding from the Trust, Thomas also received a one-off stipend with the European Space Agency for early stage research ideas at the beginning of his time in Bristol. Having started his PhD in 2017, it will take Thomas 4 years to complete his project. It is only through the support of the Trust that he is able to undertake this significant piece of research, stating that, “Currently, there is very little to no funding available for science and academia at large, due to consistent financial cuts to these sectors, therefore funding from the educational trust takes on an essential role in promoting my own and other’s exceptional developments at the very forefront of scientific research.” Thomas has further stated that, “Ultimately, without the Trust’s generous support there is no way my research could happen. I hope that there will be a point at which they will see the product of their essential support and understand the huge benefits it will have for people across the world.” New face at the Trust After the retirement of Marion Esfandiari last year, Jane Mason started with the Trust in March 2017 and has enjoyed learning about the Trust and the grants that it offers. Jane has worked in Universities and across the Skills and Learning sector for many years so if you’ve any questions about the Trust or you’re keen to look at the possibility of future funding with the Trust then please do not hesitate to contact Jane. You can contact Jane through the Trust website or by email at admin.office@ewseducationaltrust.co.uk Don’t Forget about another Award the Trust offers Special Access Funding The Trust’s special access grant is for people who face barriers to achieving their educational, sporting or artistic potential due to a physical disability, special educational need or other challenging circumstances. If you or a close family member with a condition such as but not limited to, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, or a physical disability, who may need extra support and funding please find out more about how we may be able to help. What do you really think of the support provided by EWS Educational Trust? Over the next couple of months we’ll be sending out a survey to those individuals in the final year of receiving an award from the Trust. We know how busy you all are, but we’d really appreciate 10 minutes of your time to provide feedback on the award that you’ve received. Our aim is to make the process of applying as straightforward as possible so would welcome your constructive feedback. Grant Application Closing Dates Exceptional Contribution Award Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018. Sporting and Artistic Funding Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018. Special Access Funding Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018. Educational Applications For courses starting in the academic year 2018/19 the deadline is 31 August 2018. If you have already started studying and haven’t made an application yet, then apply before 31 March 2018 and we’ll take the current academic year into consideration.

March 31 deadline for Exceptional Contribution Award applications

If you are in the process or plan to do an exceptional piece of research to benefit society then the Exceptional Contribution Award could be for you.
The ideal applicant is likely to be involved in, but not limited to, the fields of medical, scientific or engineering advancement.
If you want to be considered for this award, make sure you get in touch with the Trust using the Contact Form on the website giving a brief description of your project and contact details. Jane, the Trust Administrator, will contact you to discuss your project in more detail and advise on the next steps of the application process.

Case study – Thomas O’Shea – Exceptional Contribution Award

Thomas was aware of the Exceptional Contribution Award as an alumnus of EWS Educational Trust. He had previously received funding from the Trust towards his MSc in Geophysics from University College London in 2011.
His relative connection to the rail freight industry is through Jonathan O’Shea who has previously worked for DB Shenker Cargo as a Technical Safety Supervisor.
Thomas is undertaking his PhD research in Complex Geographic Systems Analysis at the University of Bristol, with Cambridge and Vrije University Amsterdam, supporting in an advisory capacity. His research is an inter-disciplinary project working closely across the departments of Geography and Engineering. Thomas’s research is in response to the large-scale flooding that took place in the north of England in December 2015, and the national capability, or lack thereof, in deploying effective flood incident management during such events. Incidents of flooding are viewed as the hazard to which the United Kingdom is most ‘at risk’ of being subjected to in the future.

In summary, the intention of Thomas’s research is to develop a new type of scientific model with a view to providing a freely available tool for improved understanding and identification of the ways in which human behaviour determines the outcome of natural disasters, and vice-versa, in a simple; yet accurate format. As well as receiving funding from the Trust, Thomas also received a one-off stipend with the European Space Agency for early stage research ideas at the beginning of his time in Bristol.

Having started his PhD in 2017, it will take Thomas 4 years to complete his project. It is only through the support of the Trust that he is able to undertake this significant piece of research, stating that, “Currently, there is very little to no funding available for science and academia at large, due to consistent financial cuts to these sectors, therefore funding from the educational trust takes on an essential role in promoting my own and other’s exceptional developments at the very forefront of scientific research.”
Thomas has further stated that, “Ultimately, without the Trust’s generous support there is no way my research could happen. I hope that there will be a point at which they will see the product of their essential support and understand the huge benefits it will have for people across the world.”

New face at the Trust

After the retirement of Marion Esfandiari last year, Jane Mason started with the Trust in March 2017 and has enjoyed learning about the Trust and the grants that it offers.
Jane has worked in Universities and across the Skills and Learning sector for many years so if you’ve any questions about the Trust or you’re keen to look at the possibility of future funding with the Trust then please do not hesitate to contact Jane.
You can contact Jane through the Trust website or by email at admin.office@ewseducationaltrust.co.uk

Don’t Forget about another Award the Trust offers

Special Access Funding

The Trust’s special access grant is for people who face barriers to achieving their educational, sporting or artistic potential due to a physical disability, special educational need or other challenging circumstances.
If you or a close family member with a condition such as but not limited to, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, or a physical disability, who may need extra support and funding please find out more about how we may be able to help.

What do you really think of the support provided by EWS Educational Trust?

Over the next couple of months we’ll be sending out a survey to those individuals in the final year of receiving an award from the Trust.

We know how busy you all are, but we’d really appreciate 10 minutes of your time to provide feedback on the award that you’ve received. Our aim is to make the process of applying as straightforward as possible so would welcome your constructive feedback.

Grant Application Closing Dates

Exceptional Contribution Award
Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018.

Sporting and Artistic Funding
Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018.

Special Access Funding
Applications can be made at any time. If you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 31 March 2018.

Educational Applications
For courses starting in the academic year 2018/19 the deadline is 31 August 2018. If you have already started studying and haven’t made an application yet, then apply before 31 March 2018 and we’ll take the current academic year into consideration.

Apply Now!

April 14 deadline for Exceptional Contribution Award applications

The Trust’s search for people who have begun or plan to take on an exceptional piece of research to benefit society was launched back in December.

The ideal applicant is likely to be involved in, but not limited to, the fields of medical, scientific or engineering advancement and is anticipated to be doing doctorate or post-doctoral research.

If you want to be considered for this prestigious award, make sure you get in touch with the Trust using the Contact Form on the website giving a very brief description of your project. You will be expected to complete an application form and, if selected, to attend a personal interview with the trustees.

Life changing grant is huge benefit for Laura/strong>

Laura Higgins, daughter of GB Railfreight’s Michael Higgins, applied successfully to the Trust for a grant in her final year at Southampton University.

For Laura the grant ‘changed her life’. The money went towards her living costs, freeing up vital learning time. Laura explained: “I was able to worry less about the financial struggles of a typical student and focus more on my studies.

“Fourth year was extremely hard. Having the extra time to dedicate to my work was a huge benefit.

“I would highly recommend others to apply it’s an amazing scheme.”

Find out more about Laura

So long, Marion

We’re sorry to say that Marion Esfandiari, the Trust’s administrator since 2011, is leaving.

Marion said: “I’ve had a fantastic time working with the Trust over the last five years. I’m going to miss everyone but I’ve decided the time is right for me to retire properly. I’m looking forward to spending more time travelling and doing a little bit of voluntary work.”

Chris Tingle, speaking on behalf of the Trust said:”The Trustees thank Marion for the passion and dedication she has shown for the Trust and wish her the very best for the future.”

Welcome Jane

Taking over the reins as our new administrator, is Jane Mason, who says she is looking forward to working with the Trust. We’ll profile Jane in our next edition.

With the changes in personnel we have taken this opportunity to move our registered and postal address to c/o UNW LLP, Citygate, St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JE with immediate effect.

Jane can be contacted through the Trust’s website.

Applying for a Masters?

You can apply to be considered for a new grant from the Trust if you are continuing with your studies (Masters, PGCE etc) once you have finished your degree.

The deadline for applications from the September 2017 intake is 31 August 2017.

Grant application deadlines

Educational Applications
For courses starting in the academic year 2017/18 the deadline is 31 August 2017. If you have already started studying and haven’t made an application yet, then apply before 14 April 2017 and we’ll take the current academic year into consideration.

Sporting and Artistic Applications
Applications can be made at any time.
If you want the application to be considered this year, the deadline is 31 August 2017.

Special Access Funding
Applications can be made at any time but if you want the application to be considered at the next grant committee the deadline is 14 April 2017.

Don’t forget!

The EWS Educational Trust can consider applications only from people with a close family link to someone who works or who worked in the UK’s rail freight industry.

If in doubt, contact the Trust through the website.

Encouraging Talent – unlocking potential

News

Trust launches new Exceptional Contribution Award

Special Access Funding

Deadlines for applications