A new awards scheme that will significantly enhance the analytics, fieldwork or experimental aspects of undergraduate final year research projects has been announced by the Department of Earth Sciences.
The Brewer-Loughman Awards have been made possible through a generous gift from Jonathan Brewer and David Loughman, both Oxford Geology Department undergraduates from 1974 to 1977. The gift is in memory of their fathers, Douglas Brewer (1925–2018) and Brian Loughman (1925–2019).
Douglas Brewer was an undergraduate, and completed his DPhil, at Pembroke College, Oxford. He went on to become a Professor of Experimental Physics and later Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex. Brian Loughman, a graduate of Aberystwyth University, completed his DPhil at Downing College, Cambridge, before becoming a Fellow in Plant Sciences and later Emeritus Fellow at University College, Oxford.
Douglas and Brian became well-known for the support and attention they gave to their many undergraduate and research students, as well as their strong belief in the importance of experimental rigour and sound data to lasting scientific research.
The Brewer-Loughman Awards are intended to promote Douglas Brewer and Brian Loughman’s values by supporting the department's undergraduate final year research projects. Two awards will be made per year, each of up to £5,000.
Professor Chris Ballentine, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences, says: ‘I would like to personally thank Jonathan and David for this kind donation to the department. We will be able to significantly enhance the analytical, fieldwork or experimental aspects of the undergraduate final year projects through these awards. These will enrich the research experience, improve the prospect of the work being published internationally, and provide a great addition to the recipients’ CVs.’