Multi-million pound scholarship fund for new STEM students

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27 January 2012

A leading businessman, who fled Baghdad for Britain in the 1960s to escape anti-Semitic persecution, is supporting more than 1,000 talented students to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at top UK universities over the next year.

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 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 STEM.

The scholarships 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. The awards are worth £1,000 to full-time students and £500 to those studying part-time.

Dr Dangoor’s donation has been hailed by ministers and universities following the announcement by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts of a review of philanthropy in the higher education sector.

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 research-intensive universities, said:

“Too few students study for STEM degrees, despite the enormous benefits to students, UK business and wider society. Dr Dangoor’s generosity is helping turn the tide.

“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.

“We know the Dangoor Scholarships are inspiring students to work that bit harder as they try to win places on some of the country’s most competitive courses.

“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.”