New scholarship will enable outstanding postgraduate student to pursue advanced research

The Department is delighted to announce the Peter Philipps Scholarship, which will be available to a postgraduate student in Engineering Science.

The scholarship is funded by a generous contribution from Airdri, a family owned engineering business based in Oxford. The Airdri Group was founded in 1974 by British engineer and entrepreneur Peter Philipps, and today focuses on the development of sector-leading hand dryers and air sanitising technology to improve hygiene, safety and public health. 

Bruce Philipps, President and Group CEO, the Airdri Group, says, "It is a very special honour for the Board and team at the Airdri Group to see the first Peter Philipps Scholarship for a postgraduate scholar in the Department of Engineering Science. The social impact foundation in Peter Philipps' name was established by the Airdri Group - the international business he founded over 50 years ago. As an entrepreneur and engineer, and Oxford-based businessman, Peter was a trailblazer. Everyone at the Airdri Group and the Peter Philipps Foundation looks forward to supporting the chosen student".

The Peter Philipps Foundation was established by the Airdri Group in memory of its founder, engineer and entrepreneur Peter Philipps. The social impact foundation focuses on projects in education and sustainability.

Airdri’s origins are rooted in mechanical and electrical engineering, and the company’s contemporary use of engineering technology relates fittingly to current areas of research at the Department, including fluid dynamics, air movement efficiency, and electrical systems.

Associate Head of Department (Graduates) Professor Dan Eakins says, “We aim to award the scholarship to one of the top-ranked Home students in the Thermofluids area of research, meaning it will support an outstanding postgraduate student to pursue advanced research relating to the donor’s engineering legacy”.