Member Article

Teesside student is named as latest Millman Scholar by Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has announced the latest Millman Scholar during a Postgraduate Research Symposium in London.

Robert Hillier of Ingleby Barwick, is currently in his first year at the University of Sheffield, where he is studying for an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering.

A former pupil at Conyers School & Sixth Form in Yarm, the 18-year-old follows in the footsteps of Ben Napier from Guisborough, the first recipient of the undergraduate scholarship, who is currently studying MEng Computer Science at Durham University.

It is run by the Teesside-based Materials Processing Institute in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers and is awarded annually to a deserving candidate from the Tees Valley region, who is planning to or is already studying towards a materials or science related discipline.

The successful candidate receives a range of practical and academic support throughout their degree course, including an annual bursary, paid summer industrial work placement at the Institute, mentoring support from an appointed industrial supervisor and an invitation to attend the annual symposium.

Robert, a keen golfer who has represented Yorkshire and captained Teesside Union of Golf Clubs, both at under 18 level, excelled at chemistry, physics and maths at school. He has already undertaken work experience at the Centre Process of Innovation, involving graphene, printable electronics, formulation and biotechnology.

He said: “I’m hugely grateful to the Materials Processing Institute and the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers’ for providing me with such a valuable opportunity, both financially and practically, to progress my career.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking up paid work experience at the Institute and having the support of a mentor, which will greatly complement my academic work.”

Chris McDonald, chief executive of the Institute, said: “As a world leader in research and innovation serving organisations working in advanced materials, low carbon energy, the circular economy and digital technologies, we are keen to support the next generation of talent here in the Tees Valley.

“Robert is a deserving recipient of the scholarship, having already displayed a real flair for materials science and engineering.”

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.

Robert was named as this year’s Millman Scholar during the 3rd Postgraduate Research Symposium on Ferrous Metallurgy, held at the Armourer’s Hall in London.

Attended by PhD students, universities, academics, researchers and industries involved in materials, metals and process improvement, the guest speaker was Jon Bolton, Senior Adviser, Liberty Steel Group (UK).The event was organised by the Institute and supported by the Armourers and Brasiers’ Company and the Iron & Steel Society.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .