The Laidlaw Foundation welcomed into the College of Benefactors

Posted on 1 February 2021

We are delighted to announce that as part of the University’s January Graduation celebrations the Laidlaw Foundation was welcomed into the College of Benefactors.

We are delighted to announce that as part of the University’s January Graduation celebrations the Laidlaw Foundation was welcomed into the College of Benefactors. 

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Foundation, its founder Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay said:

“ I am really delighted that the Laidlaw Foundation has been invited to join York’s College of Benefactors. We have had a very long and a very warm relationship with York as one of our partner universities in the Foundation’s Research and Leadership Scholarship Programme. And we hope to continue this relationship over a very long time.

When I first visited York I was really impressed by your focus on leadership, which is of course a vital part of our undergraduate programme. York is one of the very few universities that has treated leadership as a skill that needs teaching to both staff and undergraduate students. It's a unique part of the University of York.”

The University of York is one of just 12 universities around the world to partner with the Laidlaw Foundation through the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship programme. This scholarship programme aims to develop a new generation of leaders who are skilled researchers and who believe it is a moral imperative to lead with integrity.  

The Foundation invests in 25 highly talented undergraduates at York each year and nurtures their knowledge and skills to become active global citizens. So far 100 students have received Laidlaw Scholarships at the University of York. Through this carefully designed programme, the scholars are supported to undertake a research project of their choice, to gain a leadership in action experience and to build their network with like-minded leaders of the future. 

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor, said; “The College of Benefactors is the highest honour that the University bestows upon its supporters and partners in recognition of their philanthropic support and we are delighted to welcome the Laidlaw Foundation into this special group of supporters. Through his philanthropy Lord Laidlaw provides students with a very special experience, which nurtures an interest in and respect for science and proven fact and a commitment to ethical leadership. Above all, the Laidlaw Scholars are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain confidence in their own abilities. These are values we share with the Laidlaw Foundation”