SCI Scholar, Francesca Bruno, presents her end of scholarship report

For over thirty years, SCI has supported and recognised the excellence of early career scientists, by aiding their studies in the form of an SCI Scholarship.

Since 1985 over 80 scholarships have been awarded which have not only given the recipients financial assistance, but have enabled them to broaden their network, and 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, raising their profile within the scientific community.

Francesca was awarded an SCI Scholarship in 2022. At the end of their scholarship, SCI Scholars present a report to SCI. Read more about what she has done in her final year as an SCI Scholar.

'I am very grateful to the SCI for awarding me with this scholarship. During the two years as SCI scholar I had the opportunity to be involved in many SCI events and activities and to become part of SCI Scotland Group. I was invited to memorable events such as the Lister Memorial Lecture at the RSE in Edinburgh, and I was able to attend the interesting talk of Andy Joynson from Innocent Drinks at the Seligman Lecture in London. I also took part in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards in Dundee where I had the opportunity to represent SCI and award the three winners of the sponsored category. With the Scotland group I was involved in organising this year Scotland Afternoon in Science and Career which for the first time took place at Abertay University, were I study, and was a great success as well as very inspiring and fun. Being part of SCI has given me the chance to meet and network with a wide range of professionals, from early career researchers to entrepreneurs and academics.

'Thanks to the financial support that the SCI Scholarship has given me I could focus on my studies, and I was able to continue my PhD on a full-time basis, which I am very grateful for. During these years I’ve also published two academic papers as first author.

'My research topic is a food contaminant, acrylamide, which is formed as part of the Maillard Reaction when foods are cooked at high temperatures. I had the privilege of organizing the 6th Young AGErs Symposium which we hosted at Abertay University in Dundee, and I’ve attended the 7th Young AGErs conference in Maastricht this past October. Young AGErs is a community of early career researchers in the field of the Maillard Reaction, each year organizes a two-day symposium in which all community members get the opportunity to present and discuss their work in an informal setting.

'The next September I will present with a poster at the IMARS-15 in Maastricht, the International Maillard Reaction Society conference which takes place every three years and is the most important symposium in this field. I will also attend the “Acrylamide and process formed contaminants: a supply chain approach” congress in Brussell at the beginning of September.

'I am really looking forward to these exciting experiences and I would like to deeply thank SCI for making all of this possible.'

Francesca Bruno, Abertay University

Related Links:

• SCI College of Scholars
• SCI Scholarships
• SCI Career Support
• SCI Awards