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.
Kay Yeung received an SCI Scholarship in 2016. 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?
The SCI Scholarship has presented me with many exclusive opportunities, in particular, I have benefited greatly from attending events held by the SCI including the 137th AGM, annual SCI Scholar’s Day and 29th Regional SCI Postgraduate Symposia on Novel Organic Chemistry. These events have allowed me to familiarise myself with the work in the business, science and government sectors and meet people from many different disciplines that would not have been possible otherwise. In addition, the Scholarship has contributed towards my attendance to several national and international conferences, allowing me to broaden my chemical knowledge and discuss my research with other scientists from around the world.
What has been the most valuable part of receiving the Scholarship?
The most valuable part of the Scholarship would be the networking opportunities available. I am proud to be a member of the College of Scholars, which has brought like-minded, enthusiastic PhD students together. It has been my pleasure to meet the SCI Early Careers Committee and a broad range of professionals, who have shared their insight on Science bridging between academia and industry.
Which achievement are you most proud of in your academic career so far?
I am extremely proud to have received the prestigious SCI PhD Scholarship and a Leverhulme Travel Bursary in 2017. Both awards contribute to my career development significantly and without the help from SCI, I would not have been able to attend my first international conference (OMCOS19) that took place in South Korea. At the conference, I had the chance to present my PhD research with 400 other poster presenters and I was delighted to be selected for the Wiley-VCH poster award.
What impact do you think receiving the Scholarship will have on your future career?
The Scholarship award is highly regarded in both academia and industry, which is a significant achievement on my CV. Also the Scholarship has provided me the chance to speak to a broad range of professionals, who have provided me with insightful career advice.
What next?
Once I have completed my PhD degree in March 2019, I would like to continue in Chemical research. I have enjoyed working both in an academic lab as a PhD student and working in a pharmaceutical company in the past as a placement student, so currently, I am open-minded to postdoctoral opportunities in academia and industry. Since becoming an SCI scholar and speaking to professionals from different fields, I am also willing to venture into other scientific roles.
Is there anything else that you would like to highlight or note about your SCI Scholarship?
I am so thankful to SCI for the continuous support throughout my PhD. The SCI membership and scholarship has enriched my PhD experience considerably. I strongly encourage all students to join SCI and for PhD students to apply for the scholarship to benefit as much as I have, if not, even more. It is truly my privilege to be a member of the prestigious SCI College of Scholars.
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