BlinkMobile Innovation Research Higher Degree top up scholarship

DONORS

Alan & Susan  Williams

ESTABLISHMENT

Alan Williams is a highly successful IT businessman (BlinkMobile  suite of companies & TIBCO) who came from UK 20 years ago. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the development of the Central Coast through building, investing & volunteering, helping to shape the educational facilities, businesses, restaurants, sporting teams & entertainment venues within the community as well as the UoN Central Coast  and Callaghan Campuses. Alan was awarded a University Medal at the 2009 Graduation ceremony as an entrepeneur and a thought leader.

Graduate  Ben Thomas-Brigden and Alan designed a radical new architecture for a world first means of mobile applications delivery. UON became the first University to use this technology, going live in March 2010. Wyong Council became the first Council to use myAnswers; CCBR became the first newspaper , CCGS became the first school to use myAnswers.

BlinkMobile won National Innovations in Communications award  from  ATUG in 2010 ( see photo) BlinkMobile  now based at Gosford CBD, is growing strongly, employing 17 people locally.

Alan is interested in supporting a research Masters or Ph.D post grad scholarship  to encourage excellence and give students access to business/professional networks. It will give the BlinkMobile companies visibility to the projects and skills of the University students. 

These scholarships are being established to attract students at the University of Newcastle, preferably from the Central Coast, with strong academic records to pursue a research career. In addition the scholarships are to provide students the opportunity for continuing studies in a Post Graduate Business Innovation Management or Software Engineering program with greater financial independence while completing their program.

ELIGIBILITY

The eligibility criteria for the Scholarship are:

• Be enrolled in a research higher degree program in the School of Business, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Be enrolled full-time
• Awarded a living allowance scholarship

It is preferred that the successful applicant be a current or former resident of the Central Coast.

BENEFIT

$10,000 lump sum payment per year to be paid quarterly in lots of $2,500 to the Scholar.

SELECTION

The Scholarship will be advertised internally and offered by the University to the most meritorious research higher degree applicant in the Schools of Business, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Applicants for the Scholarship will email the Dean of Graduate Studies at The University of Newcastle by the due date.

The Donor has elected to use a Selection Committee, and it will consist of:

• Head of School or nominee of the Faculty of Business & Law & Engineering
• Senior member of staff of the Faculty of Business & Law & Engineering preferably from Central Coast Campus
• Alan Williams or nominee
• Foundation staff member (observer)

Selection of the Scholar will be on the basis of the criteria :

• Academic merit, namely the  completion of First Class Honours in Business Innovation , or Software Engineering or Computer Science
• A written statement outlining aptitude, level of interest in working in Innovation ,  IT, personal qualities, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and community involvement
• At least two references from lecturers or other referees
• Performance at interview (20 – 30 minutes) if required

An Applicant for a Scholarship, or a Scholar, may appeal in writing to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) or his nominee, on the grounds that the conduct of the selection process was procedurally deficient or defective.

APPLICATIONS

To apply, email a covering letter to the Dean of Graduate Studies with the following documents:

• A written statement outlining aptitude, level of interest in working in innovation, personal qualities, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and community involvement.
• At least two references from lecturers or other referees

Candidates should have applied for admission into Research Higher Degree program commencing 2014 and applied for a living allowance scholarship.

Email the Dean of Graduate Studies

CLOSING DATE

October 31 2013