A young physics graduate from Redcar, Billy Quartermain, has secured a prestigious trainee researcher position at the Materials Processing Institute, three years after receiving the highly sought-after Millman Scholarship.
The 22-year-old, a former student of Guisborough’s Prior Pursglove College and graduate of the University of York, received an annual £1,500 bursary throughout his studies, along with valuable paid summer placements at the Middlesbrough-based Institute – a global hub for research and innovation across the foundation industries.
Reflecting on his journey, Billy said: "The scholarship is an amazing opportunity for students across the Tees Valley to increase their range of knowledge, while making a contribution to cutting-edge research.
“It’s opened up a whole new world for me, having been involved in multiple projects across the Institute’s various research groups. This has boosted my confidence, supported my academic studies, and given me insight into the development of applications that can decarbonise industrial processes. I’m thrilled that the scholarship has led to a permanent position at the Institute, allowing me to pursue my career here on Teesside.”
The Millman Scholarship, run in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, is awarded annually to a deserving Tees Valley student studying or planning to study a materials, science, or engineering-related degree. Scholars benefit from mentoring, as well as access to the Institute’s world-class facilities and expertise in advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy, and digital technologies.
This year’s Millman Scholar, Aimee Hughes, 19, from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, has just completed her first paid summer work placement. A Mathematics student at the University of Manchester, she said: "While the financial support is important, the experience of working in the offices and labs is immeasurable. I've been working with the Digital Technologies Group, which is a perfect way to explore potential career paths. The work I've done with data is something I wouldn't have experienced otherwise."
The Institute’s STEM outreach efforts extend beyond the scholarship. Susan Ojo, a Chemical Engineering student at Loughborough University, was involved in the Year In Industry programme, where she worked on the development of the world’s first zero-emission cement. Her success led to an additional summer internship with the Institute’s Sustainable Industry Group.
Susan remarked: "My involvement with the Energy Decarbonisation Group is directly relevant to my studies and has helped me focus my career on renewables and sustainability. It has also improved my communication skills and ability to work collaboratively."
Terry Walsh, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, emphasised the Institute’s dedication to developing future STEM leaders. “By providing such opportunities, the Institute not only supports students in their academic pursuits but also helps them transition into careers. We have seen first-hand how the range of work experience opportunities through the Millman Scholarship has helped students shape their career paths.”
Applications are now open for the 2025 Millman Scholarship. For more details and to apply, visit: MillmanScholarships.
Photo: (L-R) Aimee Hughes, Lauren Skidmore, Suson Ojo, and Billy Quartermain