The Lord Lewis Research Studentship in Chemistry was established in memory of Jack Lewis FRS, Baron Lewis of Newnham (13 February 1928 - 17 July 2014). Robinson College and the University of Cambridge Department of Chemistry joined together to set up a PhD studentship in Chemistry, based at Robinson, in memory of Lord Lewis. The fund will allow an outstanding PhD candidate to study Chemistry at Cambridge and is intended as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Lord Lewis.
Background
Lord Lewis was the first Warden of Robinson College, overseeing the construction of the main college buildings and the establishment of the academic and social structure of Robinson. He came to the Chemistry Department as Jack Lewis in 1970, and during his 25 years there he was a wonderful colleague, an exceptional mentor, an insightful scientist, and exerted a great influence on science in the department and beyond.
Chemistry at Cambridge
The University of Cambridge Chemistry Department is ranked in the top three in the world in terms of research, with about 60 research-active staff. However, the funding it receives for studentships is declining or restricted to specific areas, which means some of the best candidates in the world are denied the opportunity to not only learn here, but also to make their own contributions to Cambridge.
PhD students are a valued part of our academic community: they are the future of the academic profession, they begin their teaching careers whilst still PhD students and when they enter industry and the professions, they take their experience and apply it in productive ways to their chosen field.
The decline in PhD funding has a wide-reaching impact, with loss of many talented individuals to scientific discovery and teaching and the wider economic and social impacts that this will have in industry and education.
Fitting Tribute
The Lewis Research Studentship is one small way to redress this problem, and will be a positive reflection of Lord Lewis’s significant contributions to Robinson College, to the University of Cambridge Chemistry Department and to Chemistry.
Funding Information
The cost to fully endow the Lord Lewis Research Studentship is £697,000*. To date £230,000 has been raised. For further information, please contact the Development Office.
*Notes:
1. This is based on a three-year PhD programme at the home rate.
2. Cost per year is estimated to be: University fee £7,362; maintenance fee £14,140; travel and consumables £5,000.
3. Costs are illustrative, and based on 2015/16 fees.
4. Endowment of £697,000 estimated to generate interest of £26,502 p.a. (at 3.8%).