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.
Warner Bursary recipient Lamyea Ahmed pictured researching Augmented Reality Robotics at her summer internship with Satellite Applications Catapult
Scope of the Robert Warner Trust
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Warner Bursaries
We are dedicated to supporting students in their academic pursuits through our bursary programs. Annually, we select deserving candidates from institutions such as Imperial, Manchester, and Birmingham who are studying materials sciences, engineering, or aerospace. The selected students receive financial assistance of £500 per term, empowering them to focus on their studies and excel in their chosen fields.
Founders’ Industry Contribution Award
Recognising the importance of exposure and networking, we offer the Founders’ Industry Contribution Award biennially. This travel bursary enables recipients to attend technical conferences, expanding their professional horizons. This award underscores our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering industry connections.
Cranfield Award
For academic excellence, we present the Cranfield Award annually to the authors of the best MSc and PhD papers at Cranfield University. This recognition, administered by Prof. Mark Jolly and selected by the Cranfield Committee, highlights our support for scholarly achievement in relevant fields.
All Bursary and award winners are also encouraged to join the Artisan membership, ensuring an ongoing commitment from the Company to empower their careers.
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Robert Warner Lecture
One of our flagship events is the Robert Warner Lecture, held annually in early October. This lecture alternates between focusing on the city and the industry, offering a platform for insightful discussions. With around 60 to 65 places available, attendees can expect a stimulating one-hour lecture followed by a two-course supper. Invitations are extended to various groups, including potential members of the Founders Company, industry bursary/award students, John Warner School students, and the wider Industry and Livery community. The Lecture serves as an event to bring a diverse group of people together on a level playing field to discuss topics of contemporary importance.
Whitechapel Lectures
In our commitment to accessibility and knowledge dissemination, we host the Whitechapel online lectures. These lectures cover a wide range of topics in a format designed to be easily understandable. Held online via Zoom at 7 pm, these sessions are open to the public, aligning with our charitable purpose of education outreach. If you would like to be on the invitation list, please sign up here.
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Informal Lunches
We believe in the power of personal connections and mentorship. Through informal lunches held throughout the year, we provide opportunities for bursary students to interact with industry professionals and mentors, facilitating knowledge exchange and guidance.
Industry Visits
To enrich learning experiences, we organise industry visits throughout the year. Led by our Industry Committee, these visits offer first hand insights into various sectors, especially in pioneering manufacturing technologies.
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
We would greatly appreciate you filling in the Gift Aid form below (if you are eligible).