UHI students powered by Statkraft STEM Scholarships

Two students from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) are the latest recipients of the Statkraft STEM Scholarship, as the university’s partnership with Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy enters its third year.

The 2025–26 scholarship recipients are Paul Downing-Smith, who is studying BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at UHI Inverness, and Christopher Kaan Caudwell, who is studying HND Computer Science at UHI Perth, and will progress to BSc (Hons) Computing in the next academic year.

Paul, from Rothes, is returning to higher education to be part of the ‘climate solution’, having seen first-hand the impact of climate change in rural Scotland. Living around an hour from the UHI Inverness campus, the scholarship funding will help cover course-related expenses.

“This scholarship has allowed me to focus on ensuring I get the best educational experience I can from the degree, without the worry of travel expenses or having to sacrifice potential field trips due to financial constraints,” said Paul.

Christopher is aiming to become a software developer, with a particular interest in accessibility and assistive technologies.

“I am profoundly grateful to be awarded the Statkraft Scholarship. This support will ease the financial pressures of higher education, allowing me to dedicate myself more fully to my academic progress and to developing projects that matter deeply to me.”

As part of Statkraft’s commitment to support access to tertiary education in the Highlands, the Statkraft STEM Scholarship Fund provides £3,000 scholarships each year for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at UHI, with the goal of supporting promising students who might otherwise be unable to access tertiary education. 

The scholarships are managed by an independent panel at UHI and are awarded to students enrolled on STEM courses lasting between two and four years. The fund is currently supporting six UHI students, representing a minimum investment of £72,000 over the lifetime of the scheme.

Stephanie Strother, Advancement Manager at UHI, said:

‘We are extremely grateful for Statkraft’s ongoing support through the Statkraft STEM Scholarship Fund. This essential support provides UHI students studying STEM subjects with financial stability, empowering them to focus on their studies and pursue their professional ambitions with confidence.’