Dangoor scholarships boost budding scientists

Students joining Cardiff in 2012-13 will be able to apply for one of 49 scholarships on offer .

The Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships are funded by a leading businessman who fled Baghdad for Britain in the 1960s to escape anti-Semitic persecution. Dr Naim Dangoor, 97, the head of a successful property company, donated £3 million to set up the Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships – in honour of his late father – at Russell Group universities, including Cardiff, and 1994 Group universities.

Dr Dangoor, who received a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours list, studied engineering in London, where he developed a lifelong commitment to educational causes, in particular science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Current Cardiff students are already benefiting from the scholarships, which are awarded on merit, and, in some cases, to students who have excelled at schools where high achievers are rare or who have overcome obstacles such as illness and disability. Full-time students receive £1,000 while part-time students get £500.

Dave Roylance, Cardiff University head of undergraduate recruitment said: "We firmly believe that everyone should have access to a Cardiff University education, regardless of their circumstances. The Dangoor Scholarships have already made a significant difference in supporting a large number of our students with their studies. We look forward to welcoming a new group of talented Dangoor Scholars to Cardiff in the autumn."

Dr Dangoor's donation has been hailed by Ministers and the Russell Group of leading universities.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts MP said: "Government matched funding has allowed the Dangoor Scholarships to help even more students. The HEFCE-led review into philanthropy in higher education that I announced last week will explore ways to encourage other philanthropists to follow Dr Dangoor's example.

"It is vital to the future prospects of young people, and the success of UK business, that we encourage greater numbers to study science, technology, engineering and maths at school and university.

"Dr Dangoor had the life changing experience of studying STEM at a UK university. Now he is making that even more attractive for a new generation of students."

Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of leading universities, which includes Manchester, said:"The Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships are a powerful weapon in our armoury as we fight for students to fulfil their potential. Going to university and studying a STEM subject is one of the best investments a bright young person can make.

"The Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships are the perfect example of a philanthropist's vision and generosity strengthening our universities' efforts to attract the very best students from all backgrounds to study key subjects like science, engineering and maths.

"Our universities already invest tens of millions each year into scholarships and bursaries, and the Dangoor Scholarships will make STEM subjects particularly enticing for the very best students. Whatever your background, if you're good enough to get into a Russell Group university, you can afford to go."

Dr Naim Dangoor CBE, who is funding the Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships, said:"My family and I found refuge in this country when we had to leave Iraq. It is a privilege for me to be in a position to give something back".