Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has named civil engineering student Lauren Skidmore as the latest Millman Scholar at a Postgraduate Research Symposium in London.

She is currently in her second year of a Batchelor of Engineering degree at Teesside University and is a former student of Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland College.

Established by the Middlesbrough-based Institute, in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, the annual Millman Scholarship is awarded to a deserving candidate from the Tees Valley who is either planning to, or has begun a materials, science, or engineering-related degree.

As a result, the27-year-old from Skelton, will receive a range of practical and academic support throughout her degree course, including an annual £1,500 bursary, a paid summer placement at the Institute, mentoring support from an appointed industrial advisor, and an invitation to attend the annual symposium.

Lauren, who is a student representative for her course and achieved an overall first in her first year at university, was selected because of her determination to succeed and excel.

That was further underlined by the fact that she returned to education following a break of eight years, during which she had a daughter, now aged five. She also worked at The Co-Operative and as a service advisor at Drive Vauxhall – where she gained valuable administration, computer and customer service skills.

She said: “I’m extremely grateful to the Materials Processing Institute and the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers for giving me this amazing opportunity, one that will allow me to progress both my studies and my career.

“I had an eight-year break from education, which allowed me to gain valuable real world experience, and to return to my studies more motivated and knowing exactly what I need to achieve.”

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “The Institute is a national centre for research and innovation in the fields of advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy and digital technologies, and we are dedicated to promoting STEM careers and providing opportunities to the next generation of talent here in the Tees Valley.

“Lauren is a deserved recipient of the Millman Scholarship, having displayed a flair for her chosen subject, together with a determination to succeed.”

The scholarship was established in recognition of Dr Stuart Millman, an internationally renowned industrial researcher, who retired from the Institute in 2018, having spent a 40-year career in industrial research.

Lauren was named as this year’s Millman Scholar at the 6^th Postgraduate Symposium on Ferrous Metallurgy held at the Armourers’ Hall in London.

• The closing date for applications for the 2023/24 Millman Scholarship is March 17, 2023. For details, visit: https://www.mpiuk.com/millman-scholarships.htm

ENDS

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MATERIALS PROCESSING INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Douglas 01325 363 436

Photo caption: Lauren Skidmore at the Armourer’s Hall in London after it was announced that she is the latest Millman Scholarship recipient

Notes to editors:

Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving global steel and materials organisations that work in advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy, and digital technologies.

The Institute has served as the UK’s national steel innovation centre since 1944 having been set up by Sir Winston Churchill’s wartime government just before D-Day to equip the British steel industry for post-war reconstruction. It will celebrate its 80^th anniversary in 2024.

Through collaboration with its customers, the Institute provides a range of technology and R&D based services and consultancy. It also has pilot and demonstration facilities and an SME Technology Centre to support supply chain businesses with the development of new technologies and products.

Works with: steel, metals and alloys, chemical processes, aerospace and defence, energy, mining and quarrying, construction, rail, transport, and infrastructure, offshore, subsea, and nuclear.

The Materials Processing Institute includes developments funded through Tees Valley Combined Authority, through the Local Growth Fund (Growth Deal).