Four undergraduate planning students from universities around the country have been announced as winners of RTPI Trust-sponsored bursaries to support their studies.
Scott Wiles (Newcastle University), Zuzana Muckova (Birmingham City University), Elias Aldahan (Newcastle University) and Chloe Young (University of Sheffield) have been awarded the grants – worth £2,000 each - in recognition of their academic excellence.
Image (clockwise from top left): RTPI Trust Bursary winners Zuzana Muckova, Elias Aldahan, Chloe Young and Scott Wiles
The RTPI Trust Bursaries, awarded annually to undergraduate students on accredited planning degrees, are designed to promote and support diversity within, and widen access to, the planning profession.
Nominees this year were asked to think creatively about the future of the High Street in the UK and to consider issues such as pedestrianisation, pollution and other issues impacting the economy and community life.
Recipients were chosen by a judging panel made up of RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI, RTPI Trust representative John Acres MRTPI, and Dr Kat Salter MRTPI, Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham.
Sue Manns said: “The standard of entries in the RTPI Trust Bursary programme this year was incredibly high. There were some very innovative and inspirational submissions, leaving the judges in no doubt that the future of the profession is in good hands. The RTPI Trust Bursary continues to be an important part of the Institute’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and a practical demonstration of how barriers to a career in planning can be responded to.”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) is one of four integrated Pillars in the RTPI’s Corporate Strategy 2020-30. Earlier this year, the RTPI published its EDI action plan – CHANGE - to help guide members and employers to achieve a more balanced profession, open for all to join.
The bursaries are fully funded by the RTPI Trust, an independent registered charity which exists to provide support to members of the RTPI and their families who are in genuine financial hardship.
For further information on the RTPI Trust Bursary Scheme, visit www.rtpi.org.uk/become-a-planner/bursaries/
