Durham-based Atom bank, the UK’s first app-based bank, is boosting Durham University’s Women in Technology programme with two new scholarships.
The Women in Technology programme was inspired by globally recognised tech leader Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and was founded by Durham University alumnus Ian Ellison-Taylor, a distinguished engineer who is leading on Microsoft’s HoloLens in Seattle.
Durham’s expanding Department of Computer Science has a stated objective of making Durham the number one University in the UK for women to study Computer Science, so the Atom-funded scholarships will offer two successful applicants £4k a year for all three years of their course at Durham.
Alongside funding the scholarships, Atom will provide mentoring, internship, placement and leadership opportunities to the successful applicants. The bank is particularly keen that the scholars also help the University and Atom to promote tech to women and girls across schools and colleges in the North East.
Alongside being a signatory of the Tech Talent Charter, Atom also played a major role supporting Durham University in establishing the Diversity Matters project, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM across industry and academia. The bank was also one of the sponsors of the highly successful Tech Up programme that Durham University’s Professor Sue Black pioneered with the support of the Institute of Coding.
Edward Twiddy, Director of ESG at Atom, said: “We are delighted to be supporting two new scholars to join the excellent AMI Women in Technology programme every year from 2024.
"Through this funding we are unashamedly targeting the next generation of leaders for Atom and for the technology businesses of the future. Applications for the scholarships are now open, and we are really excited at the prospect of meeting the people who we hope will lead Atom in the future through their engagement in this programme.”
Professor Matthew Johnson, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Durham, said “Atom's contribution will help us to foster greater participation of talented women in our undergraduate degree programmes. The underrepresentation of women in the field poses a significant barrier to innovation.
“Our department is committed to not only creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, but also one that is vibrant, diverse, and thriving. The scholars participating in this program are called upon to serve as ambassadors for the department. Consequently, the impact of these scholarships extends beyond their recipients, influencing and inspiring a broader spectrum of students.”
Tara Kaul, current AMI scholar and third year undergraduate student, said “My time at Durham University so far has been nothing short of amazing, and it would not have been possible without the support the scholarship has given me and others. The commitment to investing in our education has not only lifted the weight of financial constraints but has pushed us closer to our educational goals.”
- Applications are now open for the 2024 intake by clicking HERE
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