Statkraft
STEM Entrance Scholarship Fund
Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable power generator, is donating £72,000 over a period of six years to support UHI STEM students through the Statkraft STEM Entrance Scholarship Fund.
Two students will be selected every year, each receiving £3,000 per year for the duration of their course.
“This is Statkraft’s first partnership with a university in the UK, and is a measure of our commitment to education, the Highland region, and our ethos of being a good neighbour. We are investing in a number of clean energy projects in the Highlands and Islands which will play an important part in meeting net zero goals and helping achieve energy security. They will also generate much needed community benefit funds that will lead to jobs and other opportunities."
Iain Robertson, Statkraft’s Head of Statkraft’s Scotland office
"This is a welcome commitment from one of the most important renewable energy companies in the world. Their support promises huge opportunity for ongoing collaboration and long term partnership. The funding will provide immediate and lasting support, and reassurance for a number of students who need this kind of commitment in order to help release their potential. The fact that the scholarships stay with the students throughout their time with UHI provides financial stability, vital in the current cost of living crisis, to allow them to concentrate on their studies and shape rewarding future careers for themselves.”
Alison Wilson, Director of Economic Development and Advancement
The first two scholars, Merlin and Lewis with Iain Robertson, visiting the Statkraft office in Glasgow, where they had an opportunity to experience first hand the wide range of roles in the renewables sector that relate to their studies, speak to colleagues about their career journeys, and make a construction site visit.
Current Scholars
Below you will find the current recipients of the Statkraft scholarship
Paul Downing-Smith
Rothes, Moray
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
UHI Inverness
Growing up in rural Scotland, Paul has seen first-hand the effects of climate change and industrial development on the environment around him. Paul entered higher education for the first time to retrain, so he can discover ways to be part of the ‘climate solution.’
“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Statkraft for their generous support! When first applying to this degree the majority of it was known to be online, however as time progressed the course was shifted to predominantly in person, with a few online elements. This posed some additional considerations for my continued interest with this course as living over an hour away I had additional expenses to account for. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on ensuring I get the best educational experience I can from the degree without having the worry of travel expenses or have to sacrifice potential fieldtrips due to financial constraints. I am now able to focus on getting the best out of my experience at UHI Inverness without it being fraught with financial worry and regret for missed opportunities. I am truly grateful.”
Christopher Kaan Caudwell
Perth
BSc Computer Science
UHI Perth
Christopher’s career ambition lies at the intersection of digital technology and social inclusion. The aim to become a software developer specialising in accessibility and assistive technologies—tools that break down barriers for individuals with disabilities and help build a fairer digital society.
“I am profoundly grateful to be awarded the Statkraft STEM Scholarship. This support represents far more than financial assistance; it is a recognition of my potential and of the vision I am pursuing through both my studies and my work in inclusive technology. Knowing that an organisation like Statkraft believes in me gives me the confidence and motivation to strive for excellence and to push the boundaries of what I can achieve. This scholarship will ease the financial pressures of higher education, allowing me to dedicate myself more fully to my academic progress and the development of projects that matter deeply to me. It empowers me to take steps towards a future where technology serves everyone, regardless of the barriers they face, and it strengthens my determination to use my skills to create meaningful change. To be chosen for this award is an honour I do not take lightly. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity, both in my studies and in my personal mission to contribute positively to society. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your belief in me and for investing in the future of students like me.”
Recipients of the Statkraft Entrance Scholarship
- 2025/26 - Paul Downing-Smith & Christoper Kaan Caudwell
- 2024/25 - Egan Ibrahim & Nina Burnett
- 2023/24 - Lewis Maclean & Merlin Farrell