The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has named Molly Watson as the latest recipient of the prestigious Millman Scholarship during the Postgraduate Research Symposium in London.

Molly’s inspiration to apply stemmed from a Year-in-Industry placement at MPI, where she engaged in a variety of research initiatives as part of an Engineering Development Trust Industrial Cadets scheme. During her placement, she contributed to trials developing sustainable solutions for low-level nuclear waste and assisted in a project that implemented Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for data collection.

The Millman Scholarship, established by Middlesbrough-based MPI in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, is awarded annually to a deserving candidate from the Tees Valley who is pursuing a materials, science, or engineering-related degree.

As the scholarship recipient, Molly – currently studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds – will benefit from an annual bursary of £1,500, a paid summer placement at MPI, ongoing mentoring support, and an invitation to attend the annual symposium.

A former student of Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough, Molly commented: “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity which will both support my academic work and help shape my future career. My previous experience at the Institute has already helped me develop key skills and has reinforced my passion for data science and materials research.”

Dr Richard Birley, MPI’s Group Leader of Materials Development, added: “Over the year, Molly demonstrated remarkable growth as a researcher. Her contributions were invaluable, helping to improve processes and procedures within the research teams. Molly should be incredibly proud of her achievements, and we are delighted to see her awarded the Millman Scholarship.”

During her time at college, Molly exhibited a keen passion for science and innovation. She founded and managed a STEM club, participated in a year-long project to build a networked vertical spring seismometer, and was part of a team that achieved third place in the international Moonshot Pirates global sustainability challenge. Additionally, she was honoured with the ‘Most Engaged’ student award at Bristol University’s Quantum Summer School.

The scholarship was founded in recognition of Dr Stuart Millman, an internationally renowned industrial researcher who retired from MPI in 2018 after a distinguished 40-year career in industrial research.

Molly was formally named this year’s Millman Scholar at the 8th Postgraduate Symposium on Ferrous Metallurgy, held at the Armourer’s Hall in London.