January 28, 2020
“I heard about the Laidlaw Scholarship quite early on in my first year, but I wasn’t sure whether I was ready to do it as I’d just settled in. Initially I thought you had to be from a science background to apply but there are people from lots of different disciplines. You focus on research for six weeks each summer (over two years) and then there are development centres and workshops throughout the year to develop your leadership skills. You also receive funding for your research which is great as it gives you more freedom.
The beauty of it is that your research can be whatever you want it to be – it’s led by you, with support from a mentor. My research falls under the theme of ‘environmental and sustainability’ as I’m looking at fashion, with a focus on making the supply chain more sustainable. Alongside a literature review and speaking to industry professionals, I’m also running a workshop to encourage awareness of the importance of longevity of clothing. I’ll be helping people learn how to sew clothes, make their own clothes and customise their own clothes.
I’m only in second year now but Laidlaw has definitely helped give me direction in terms of my career path. It’s quite aspirational but ideally I’d like to be a creative director in my own fashion brand. It’s something I’ve always been interested in but now I feel like it’s something that’s becoming more and more realistic, and that’s partly due to what I’ve been able to do through the Laidlaw project.” – Harry, Business Management, Derwent