Bryne Ngwenya is Professor in Microbial Geochemistry and Head of School at the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences.
Here, he explains the importance of fieldwork trips to undergraduates studying in the School, and why support from the alumni community is crucial to enable these vital experiences to continue.
What did you love about studying at the University of Edinburgh? Perhaps it was the feeling of being part of a world-renowned, ancient university. Or living and experiencing everything the city of Edinburgh has to offer.
Speaking to many alumni over the years, I know that fieldwork trips often are the standout experience.
As I’m sure you remember, fieldwork is an extremely important part of our degree programmes at the University of Edinburgh. The excitement of seeing somewhere new. Fostering a tight community of fellow students and lecturers. Developing crucial team-building and critical thinking skills. Most importantly, how much the fieldwork brought your studies to life.
We are committed to ensuring every student studying in our school is able to experience fieldwork trips, regardless of their financial circumstances. Because of donor support, we can now ensure every student in our school is able to fully participate in fieldwork experiences.
But the best fieldwork comes at a cost. And we need your help.
The funds are now running low and we are struggling to meet demand, especially for those who need financial assistance the most.
I have led fieldwork experiences for over 25 years and personally know how transformational these experiences are to our students. Fieldwork is often the most impactful aspect of our students’ academic journey.
I have also seen first-hand what a difference donor support to the Fieldwork Fund makes to students who need it the most.
Thanks to alumni donors, trip costs are not a financial burden placed on our students. This means that every student can participate. No matter their financial circumstances.
Not all our students are fortunate enough to come from backgrounds where fieldwork costs can be met. Some students are from the most deprived areas in the UK and the very first in their family, or indeed their secondary school, to come to university. Others have caring responsibilities or a disability which means they cannot have a part time job alongside their studies to help with the costs of a fieldwork trip.
For these and many other students, a little extra financial help makes the world of difference. With your support, we can make certain that an Edinburgh education with the best fieldwork opportunities remains open to all.
For Lara, a fourth year Geography student, the support of the Fieldwork Fund was a deciding factor in choosing to study at the University of Edinburgh.
‘I was torn between Edinburgh and another university. The field trips were a big part of that decision. I have friends who are doing Geography at other universities…they don’t get to do the things that we do here.’
Lara started her academic journey at Edinburgh during COVID. This made certain aspects of university life difficult. Studying remotely meant it was hard to make friends.
She found the prospect of fieldwork daunting and was feeling apprehensive about her first trip in second year.
The fieldwork trip to Wales changed everything for her. She sat next to a girl at the start of the eight-hour coach trip who is now her best friend. She connected with the academic staff who helped shape her future goals. The valuable skills she acquired have elevated her understanding and her academic ability.
‘It is really important we go on these trips; it keeps inspiring me year-on-year.’
So far, Lara has been to Wales, the Cairngorms, Spain and Iceland. And that is thanks to the generous support of alumni donors <like you>.
‘I personally couldn’t have missed any of them…each one was a different skill set.’
Iceland was a particular highlight.
Actively practising processes and techniques on a glacier that tourists cannot access cemented the learning for Lara.
Whether it was driving through rivers and up hills, or being on the glaciers with crampons and an ice axe, Iceland offered a unique learning opportunity.
Yet it was the study techniques she learnt whilst digging volcanic ash that had the biggest impact. Whilst digging those holes, she started writing her Dissertation on the topic.
Lara wants to offer a ‘massive thank you’ to all of <you/the alumni supporters> who have made her trips a possibility. She has seen how much these fieldwork trips have transformed her university experience and shaped her as a person.
Thanks to alumni donors, she has formed connections with her academic leaders and been inspired to pursue a career in teaching.
As Head of School, I see first-hand how much students benefit from fieldwork trips.
Despite our ever-increasing options for engaged learning in the classroom using technology and AI, there is really no comparison to being in the middle of a glacier in Iceland, a canyon in Spain or the peatlands in the Cairngorms.
Students come back from these fieldtrips more informed, more passionate and more likely to succeed in their coursework and exams.
I am proud to work for a school that offers fieldwork to every student, regardless of financial circumstances. It is not something that every university offers. But it is only with your support that students can keep accessing this crucial opportunity.
I hope you will be inspired to give a special gift today to help ensure the next generation of students won’t miss out on this invaluable experience. Thank you.
You can make a gift today by clicking the button below to go to our online donation portal (excluding USA).
If you reside in the USA, please use the button below to make your gift:
Return to: GeoSciences Fieldwork Fund <link to be added when live>