The Engineers in Business Fellowship (EIBF), a UK charity advocating the value of business education for technical professionals, has announced a new initiative to support UK scientists. Each year, eight scientists will receive £50,000 MBA scholarships through the newly launched Sainsbury Science Management Fellows Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to equip scientists with the business acumen necessary to propel their research and innovations into the commercial sector.
Expanding the Sainsbury Management Fellows Legacy
The new scholarship programme is an expansion of the highly successful Sainsbury Management Fellows MBA initiative, which was founded in 1987 by Lord Sainsbury of Turville. Originally aimed at engineers, the programme has enabled over 400 engineers to graduate from top international business schools, fostering the creation of more than 300 UK companies valued at nearly £5 billion and generating over 21,000 jobs. With the inclusion of scientists, this prestigious programme now aims to deepen the UK’s standing as a leader in scientific research and economic innovation.
Supporting Talented Scientists with Business Potential
In 2024, five scholarships will be awarded to scientists who exhibit strong leadership potential and commitment to economic growth within the UK, with eight scholarships to be offered annually from 2025 onwards. These awards are available for full-time MBA studies at premier business schools associated with the UK’s leading scientific institutions, including:
- Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- Imperial College Business School
- Warwick Business School
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- Cranfield School of Management
Eligibility and Application
Eligible applicants must be UK nationals residing in the UK, hold a first degree in a science discipline, and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the UK’s economic landscape. The EIBF will partner with the National Physical Laboratory to oversee the application and award process.
A Community of Innovators and Leaders
Successful applicants will join the Sainsbury Management Fellows (SMF) alumni network, a vibrant community of senior business leaders and entrepreneurs. The network fosters collaboration and innovation, providing members with opportunities to engage in joint ventures and attend exclusive networking events that broaden their professional and entrepreneurial horizons.
Insights from Programme Leaders
Lord Sainsbury of Turville commented on the programme’s expansion to include scientists, stating, “The achievements of the Sainsbury Engineering Management Fellows have shown the value of business skills for engineers. By extending this opportunity to scientists, we aim to empower them to turn their groundbreaking research into impactful products and solutions that drive economic progress.”
David Falzani MBE, Chair of EIBF, added, ”We greatly appreciate Lord Sainsbury’s support for this programme.” Through our partnership with the National Physical Laboratory, we are excited to provide UK scientists with this unique platform to integrate their scientific knowledge with business expertise. We look forward to welcoming scientists into our SMF network, where they will bring fresh perspectives and invaluable contributions.”
This expansion of the Sainsbury Management Fellows programme marks a significant milestone in fostering cross-disciplinary innovation, helping UK scientists leverage their expertise for business success and national economic growth.