OFR Consultants and University of Edinburgh launch Alistair Henderson Bursary

Established through a partnership between OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, the bursary will provide financial support to UK undergraduate students pursuing an engineering degree that could lead to a career in fire safety.

Priority will be given to those students studying for the University of Edinburgh’s BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) degrees in Structural and Fire Safety Engineering.

Alistair Henderson (pictured, right) was widely respected for his technical expertise, generosity and dedication to developing others. Sadly, he passed away following a battle with cancer back in 2020, OFR Consultants then sought a meaningful way in which to honour his legacy. The Alistair Henderson Bursary will help to ensure that his impact continues through the students and future engineers it supports for many years to come.

Through this initiative, OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh aim to help remove barriers to access in relation to higher education and encourage more students to pursue careers in a profession that plays a vital role in protecting people, places and communities.

Strengthened pathways

As one of the UK’s leading providers of structural and fire safety engineering education, the University of Edinburgh harbours a long-standing reputation for developing highly-skilled engineering professionals.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary represents a shared commitment between academia and industry to invest in future talent and strengthen pathways for all into the fire engineering profession.

Dr Danny Hopkin MEng FIFireE FIMechE, director at OFR Consultants, commented: “Alistair made an enormous contribution to fire engineering, not only through the quality of his technical work, but also through the time, care and encouragement he gave to others. The Alistair Henderson Bursary is a fitting way in which to recognise that legacy by helping talented students to access engineering education and consider a future in fire safety. We’re delighted to be working with the University of Edinburgh to support the next generation of engineers in Alistair’s name.”

Professor Luke Bisby from the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh explained: “The Edinburgh Fire Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh is delighted to partner with OFR Consultants to establish the Alistair Henderson Bursary, which opens the door to fire engineering for talented students who might otherwise never see it as a path for them.”

Bisby continued: “Widening participation is not simply about fairness in admissions. It’s also about strengthening our profession with the diversity of perspectives and lived experiences that lead to safer and better-designed buildings. This commitment reflects both the professional ambitions of some of the most dedicated members of the fire engineering community and the hard lessons of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel’s Phase 2 recommendations, which call for a more competent, better-resourced and more accountable fire safety sector. We’re proud to work with OFR Consultants to help develop the next generation of fire engineers who will carry that responsibility forward.”

Wider commitment

The launch of the Alistair Henderson Bursary forms part of OFR Consultants’ wider commitment to supporting learning, professional development and greater access to careers in engineering. By partnering with the University of Edinburgh, the company hopes to help inspire talented students who will then go on to shape the future of fire and structural engineering.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary will be awarded from the 2026-2027 academic year and is now open to eligible applicants through the University of Edinburgh.

*For more information about the Alistair Henderson Bursary and eligibility criteria visit https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-undergraduates/uk-students/merit-based-scholarships-0