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FIA Institute opens applications for second Sid Watkins Scholarship

Applications have opened for the Sid Watkins Scholarship 2016, an initiative established in honour of the late safety pioneer to contribute to important motorsport safety research.

Frontal crash test

Frontal crash test

Giorgio Piola

A fully-funded position is on offer – via the FIA, FIA Foundation and the FIA Institute who jointly funding the scholarship – which is open to candidates who have recently completed, or are about to complete, their studies in engineering or medicine.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct research and engineering projects with the Global Institute for Motor Sport Safety SA, the FIA Institute’s research partner based in Switzerland.

Sameer Patel, who attained a first class honours degree in mechanical engineering from Aston University last year, won the inaugural scholarship and has since worked on a number of high profile projects, including safety developments in Formula 1, World Rally and Formula E. He was recently rewarded for his hard work with an extension to his contract.

He said: “This scholarship has been an incredible opportunity for me to work at the highest levels of motorsport and to contribute to one of its most important areas, safety. I would recommend it to any engineering graduate with a passion for motorsport.”

Applicants will be expected to have recently completed an advanced tertiary qualification (e.g. a Masters Degree or PhD), and be able to demonstrate a high level of academic success. They must also be highly motivated with a strong interest in motorsport safety, either in the medical or engineering fields, as demonstrated by previous academic work, professional engagements or extra-curricular pursuits.

Former FIA Institute President Professor Sid Watkins OBE, who passed away in September 2012, is regarded as one of the leading pioneers of safety in motor racing. His efforts to implement higher standards saved multiple lives and have had a lasting impact at all levels of the sport.

The scholarship, which was established in 2015, pays tribute to his vision and philosophy.

FIA Institute President Professor Gerard Saillant added: “The first year of the Watkins Scholarship has been a great success and we are delighted to open the process again this year. We hope the successful candidate will help to continue the important work of Professor Watkins in the field of motorsport safety.”

The closing date for entries is June 30.

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