The University of Westminster has hosted its annual Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund roundtable event to share with donor Professor Judith Petts how the fund has supported PhD research projects at the University.
On 18 November, eight doctoral researchers from the University of Westminster’s Graduate School presented their PhD projects at a roundtable event attended by Dame Judith Petts, wife of former Westminster Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoffrey Petts. During the presentations each researcher showcased their project, fieldwork experiences and research outcomes. The roundtable discussion featured researchers who have received direct support from the fund as well as researchers from the Centre of Nutraceuticals, a first-of-its-kind centre which was recently refurbished and expanded with contributions from the fund.
Dame Judith set up the fund in her late husband’s name during the 2020/21 academic year to honour his contributions to scientific research and support student research at Westminster. The fund supports fieldwork for doctoral researchers, with no limitation on subject matter and up to £1,000 available to be claimed by each applicant. As a former researcher herself, Dame Judith aims to support PhD researchers at Westminster by funding travel costs, accommodation and materials in the field.
About the event, Dame Judith said: “A great discussion of some fascinating PhD topics and good to see how research in the Centre is really taking off. It is always wonderful to hear how the fund is helping researchers to optimise their work.”
Jordan Scammell, Head of Fundraising and Development at Westminster, commented: “On behalf of the University of Westminster, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dame Judith Petts for her support and generosity for our PhD community. The event was a testament to the outcomes made possible through Dame Judith's commitment and it was a pleasure to see our researchers present their work and scientific discoveries to Dame Judith, which gave a real sense of just how far the funding has gone. Thank you.”
The Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
There are four windows for applications to the fund each academic year, with three now remaining. Fill in the application form to apply for the Professor Geoffrey Petts Memorial Fund.
To find out how to support students and set up a fund at the University of Westminster, email the Development Team.
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