Welcome for increase in North East biomedical bursaries

20 August 2009

Marlyn Glen has welcomed news that 49 biomedical bursaries were awarded to students at Robert Gordon University in the 2008-09 university session, and 17 to students at Abertay University to encourage them to work in the NHS after graduation.

In 2007-08, 23 bursaries were awarded at RGU, and 10 at Abertay.

Ms. Glen said,

"This three year pilot scheme was launched at Abertay by Lewis Macdonald under the previous Scottish Executive in November 2005.

"It offers biomedical science students an annual bursary worth £2,000 to work in the NHS after graduating.

" It is open to third and fourth year students who can become state-registered during their degree studies, and so saving themselves an extra year of training on graduation.

" The work of biomedical scientists is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of patients’ conditions in hospital.

" These bursaries should provide a significant incentive for students and a boost for the NHS."