US scientific equipment firm Thermo Fisher has launched a scholarship programme for undergraduates at Imperial and four other leading universities.

Students entering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) degrees at Imperial, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of California-Berkeley and Fudan University in Shanghai will be considered for the Thermo Fisher STEM Scholarships.

The multi-million dollar programme will support 44 students at the five universities annually, with the awards renewed each year dependent on academic achievement. The scholarships will provide $5,000 (£3,250) annually to each student for up to four years.

Marc N Casper, President and CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: “Thermo Fisher is dedicated to instilling a passion for STEM education in students who may one day be our employees, or our customers. By making education accessible to some of the brightest young minds, we hope to have a positive impact on industries that are using science to improve healthcare, the environment and public safety.”

John Neilson, College Secretary and Chair of the Scholarships Panel at Imperial, said: “We are delighted to be selected as one of the handful of institutions to host these prestigious awards. It is crucial that we attract talented students from all backgrounds into STEM courses and the rewarding careers that can follow. The Thermo Fisher STEM Scholarships make our financial support packages even more attractive. 

John Neilson, Chair of the Scholarships Panel

“By supporting promising young Imperial students in this way, Thermo Fisher Scientific is laying the groundwork for the next generation of scientific innovators. Their munificence and vision should be applauded.”

164 scholars will join the programme over the next four years, representing a $700,000 (£450,000) annual investment by Thermo Fisher across the five universities.

Thermo Fischer Scholars at Imperial will have demonstrated academic excellence in STEM subjects and come from a lower-income background. All UK undergraduate entrants to Imperial with a residual family income below £60,000 will be automatically considered by their departments.