The Robert Warner Trust

The very roots of the Founders’ Company are embedded in a real concern for supporting education and research in the material sciences and related fields in engineering , for those who need it most.

The Robert Warner Trust is one of the charities administered by The Founders’ Company, supporting education and research in materials science, engineering, and related disciplines. Its purpose is to assist students and early-career professionals through bursaries, awards, and opportunities for engagement with industry, with a particular focus on promoting social mobility and widening participation in these fields.

The Robert Warner Bursary Programme provides financial support of £700 per term to undergraduate students studying at the universities of Birmingham, Manchester, and Imperial. The scheme helps to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing degrees in materials science, engineering, or aerospace, enabling talented individuals from all backgrounds to continue their studies and build careers in industry.

In addition to bursaries, the Trust offers the Cranfield Award for the best MSc and PhD papers at Cranfield University, recognising academic excellence, and the Founders’ Industry Contribution Award, which funds attendance at technical conferences to support professional development.

Bursary holders are invited to take part in industry networking lunches, mentoring sessions, and site visits organised by the Founders’ Industry Committee. These activities provide practical insight into developments across manufacturing and engineering, while strengthening links between education, industry, and the Founders’ community.

A researcher in a laboratory working with a robotic arm, using a computer. The room has scientific equipment, whiteboards with red markings, and a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit.

Warner Bursary recipient Lamyea Ahmed pictured researching Augmented Reality Robotics at her summer internship with Satellite Applications Catapult

Scope of the Robert Warner Trust

Donate

In order to donate you can can make a monthly standing order, or one off BACS payment to our Warner Charity:

Charity Number: 222905-5

Click here for details

We would greatly appreciate you filling in the Gift Aid form below (if you are eligible).

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Gift Aid your Donation to the Robert Warner Trust