Joseph Rufino Cordeiro with his daughters Mary Anne and Lucinda Cordeiro when the Joseph Rufino Cordeiro Foundation was established in December 2020.
LONDON
The Joseph Rufino Cordeiro Foundation in collaboration with the University of Oxford is inviting applications for summer research studentships 2024 in Sustainable Chemistry with accommodation at Worcester College. The Foundation in particular wants to encourage Goan or Indian students to apply.
The Foundation was established by Mary Anne Cordeiro in December 2020 to honour the memory and legacy of her late father, Joseph Rufino Cordeiro, a Goan scientist and inventor, whose expertise in radio navigational aids and communication became recognised worldwide.
Joseph Rufino Cordeiro invented a digital meteorological measurement system which was granted two patents in UK in 1983. His expertise in radio navigational aids and communication became recognised worldwide and his design skills were utilised in 27 international airports around the world.
“We are ready for the 2024 Joseph Rufino Cordeiro Foundation Summer Research Studentships in Sustainable Chemistry (JRCF Studentships) for the second year since the programme was instituted last year. We have given much more time to candidates as the first deadline is not until April 19 and the deadline for shortlisted applications is May 24,” said Mary Anne Cordeiro, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.
“My father, Joseph Rufino Cordeiro (1924-2021), was a brilliant scientist/inventor and was proud of his Goan heritage manifested through his many philanthropic acts. In recognition of the importance of science to him, we inaugurated the programme of JRCF Studentships in collaboration with the Chemistry Department at the University of Oxford commencing in summer 2023.”
“Given our family origins, the Foundation is particularly keen to nurture Goan students and we want to encourage these students to apply for the JRCF Studentship sponsored by the Foundation.”
After the success of last year’s JRCF Studentships, Mary Anne said the Foundation is looking to expand the 2024 programme to support up to five talented students with fully funded research summer placements in sustainable chemistry at the University of Oxford.
“This offers them a rare opportunity to gain research experience at one of the most prestigious science departments in the world,” said Mary Anne.
“The 2024 JRCF Studentship will provide successful candidates with £16.60/hour for up to 35 hours/week (that is, up to £4,648, subject to any statutory deductions) for a defined period of up to 8 weeks in July and August. Up to five successful candidates will also be offered paid-for accommodation in Worcester College, Oxford, for up to 8 weeks,” explained Mary Anne.
“The Foundation sponsors projects that nurture young talent in innovative scientific research and also encourages Goan/Indian students in those fields.”
“The grants will offer the successful applicants an opportunity to experience postgraduate research at the University of Oxford, enable them to advance exciting research and inspire them to pursue postgraduate study and a career in Sustainable Chemistry.”
“The grants will also improve their research and transferable skills and give them access to advice on further study and research careers.” Mary Anne added.
The eligible applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree in chemistry, demonstrate academic excellence and potential as well as be able to provide proof of right to work in the UK.
Details of the Joseph Rufino Cordeiro Foundation Summer Research Studentships in Sustainable Chemistry (JRCF Studentships) are available on the website (https://tinyurl.com/sbr7vmnn) or by email (mac@jrcordeirofoundation.org)
Mary Anne said her father was a stalwart supporter of Saligao, and dutifully visited his family home there annually.
“He supported many local and international causes to promote fellow Goans. He was delighted to become president of the Saligao Association UK in 1977 and sponsor the Mae De Deus Feast in Saligao in May 1984. Everyone who knew him considered him to be a gentleman of great integrity, strong faith and deep convictions,” she added.
