The Duffin Family Future Shapers Scholarship

The Future Shapers scholarship at Heriot-Watt offers a range of high value scholarships to our most talented postgraduate candidates. We are looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers.

For each of Heriot-Watt's four global research institutes (GRI's, see list below), we are launching a total of 12 scholarships (3 per research area) worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively. These are aimed at candidates that have achieved or are aiming to achieve an upper second class or first class grade in their undergraduate degree, for entry in September 2026 only.

Applications will be judged mainly on two criteria, the first being previous academic performance and the second being how closely the applicants research interests and ambitions align with that of projects within the GRI. We are looking for candidates who want to become leaders in their chosen field and show excellence through their application.

There is a list below of the GRI's and links to see what issues they are trying to solve.

Climate change and Net Zero

The planet is in crisis, time is running out. We need innovative, practical solutions that combine groundbreaking research and industry expertise to deliver tangible impact.

Find out more about iNetZ+ – a global research institute focused on achieving Net Zero and beyond.

Robotics and automated future

Technology is driving the future. Harnessing the potential of pioneering science, develop tech-driven solutions to real-world problems.

Find out more about The National Robotarium – a global research institute for robotics and artificial intelligence.

Quality of life

Put patients at the heart of every piece of work and advance research while collaborating with industry to deliver impactful solutions into health and social care settings.

Find out more about Health and Care Technologies – a global research institute dedicated to solving health challenges.

The Planet

Combine fundamental and applied research with innovative technology to develop practical solutions to major global challenges.

Find out more about The Lyell Centre – a global research institute for Earth and marine sciences.