Statkraft welcomes latest scholarship students through UHI partnership

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy has welcomed two new students to the STEM Scholarship Fund, as the partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) enters its third year.

The 2025-26 recipients are Paul Downing-Smith, from Rothes, who is studying Environmental Sciences at UHI Inverness, and Christopher Kaan Caudwell, studying Computer Science at UHI Perth.

Paul is returning to higher education to be part of the “climate solution”, having seen first-hand the impact of climate change in rural Scotland. The funding will allow Paul, who lives around an hour from the university, to cover the expenses related to the course.

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

Christopher is aiming to become a software developer, specialising in accessibility and assistive technologies.

“I am profoundly grateful to be awarded the Statkraft Scholarship" he said. "This scholarship will ease the financial pressures of higher education, allowing me to dedicate myself more fully to my academic progress and the development of 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 courses 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 awarded to students enrolled in STEM courses between 2-4 years in duration. The scholarship fund is now providing support for six students at UHI, representing a minimum investment of £72,000 over the lifetime of the scheme.