Santander Supports 'Once in a Lifetime Experience'
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith and Simon Bray, Director of Santander Universities put pen to paper on a renewal of the bank’s philanthropic support for Lancaster students.
Sam Robinson has recently completed his Masters degree in Ecology and Conservation at Lancaster University. The highlight of Sam’s year was his research project in Brazil, made possible by a scholarship from Santander Universities Global Division.
Sam commented, 'The scholarship allowed me to undertake a research project in Brazil in partnership with Universidad Federal de Lavras. With the grant I was able to stay for two months, almost half of which I spent in Rio de Janeiro state recording field data in the beautiful Atlantic forest – one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. It was a privilege to be part of a project which may offer positive solutions for the restoration of biodiversity in such an important area. Besides collecting my field data, I was able to spend some of the time travelling and exploring the local area to experience a little of what life is like in Brazil.'
'Without the generous support of Santander, such a project would have been impossible to undertake. I can’t express my thanks enough for the unique experience I was given through this scholarship. The opportunity to travel in Brazil was also fantastic and something I may never have been able to do without this donation. I have not only learnt a great deal academically, but also gained invaluable experience for future research projects I may undertake. The journey I was able to embark upon was truly fantastic and a once in a lifetime experience.'
The funding agreement between Lancaster and Santander was recently renewed following the great success of the first three years. The scheme saw Santander fund scholarships, educational travel grants and an internship scheme offering students an opportunity to hone their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills working with a range of SMEs.