Isabel Ann Robertson Scholarship winners announced

Left to right:  Charles Robertson (Ann Robertson’s son), Professor Jon Timmis (Vice Chancellor, Aberystwyth University), David Skelton (recipient), Ellen Ziu (recipient), Trenten Roberts (recipient), Maggie Robertson (Ann Robertson’s daughter), Fiona Robertson (Ann Robertson’s granddaughter) and Michael Robertson (Ann Robertson’s grandson) 

The winners of a major new scholarship to promote postgraduate study in mathematics, physics and computer science have been announced by Aberystwyth University.

Funded by the generosity of the late Isabel Ann Robertson who studied Physics at Aberystwyth and worked as a tutor in the Department of Computer Science, three full-time PhD scholarships have been made available annually, contributing towards tuition fees and providing an annual maintenance allowance.

The inaugural recipients, David Skelton from the Department of Physics and Trenten Roberts and Ellen Ziu, both from the Department of Computer Science, presented their work to members of Ann Robertson’s family and colleagues at an event hosted by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jon Timmis.

Professor Jon Timmis, Vice Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said:

“It was a privilege to welcome Ann’s family back to Aberystwyth to commemorate her contribution to our University and to recognise her generous bequest and how it is shaping the future of the academic careers of our PhD students and setting them on a positive course for the rest of their lives.

“As a Computer Science graduate myself, I am immensely grateful to Ann and her colleagues for creating such a positive learning environment, pushing the boundaries of computer science and setting people like me on a trajectory that has brought me back to Aber some years later.”

Maggie Robertson, Ann Robertson’s youngest daughter, and herself a former member of staff at the Department of Computer Science, said:

“It is just so lovely to see three young people at the start of their academic careers. I think mum would have felt very privileged at being able to support them as they start out on their journey, whether they go on to do research or take that knowledge and skill into a different career.

“She loved working for the University, not only because it was Aberystwyth and her family’s long association with the institution, but the opportunities it gave her. It was unusual to go to university when she was young, and after she got married and had children, going back to work at the University gave her a rich social life, something to keep her brain working, something she found fascinating and fulfilling, and a constant challenge she really enjoyed rising to. Her work there was never really a job for her, it was an interest.”

Ellen Ziu, one of the three inaugural Isabel Ann Robertson scholars, said:

"As a PhD student in the Department of Computer Science, my research focuses on predictive healthcare through a self-learning human digital twin system. This work explores applications in both the early diagnosis and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, as well as a personalised active surveillance system for prostate cancer. 

“Having completed all my degrees at Aberystwyth, I feel incredibly proud to be a fellow alumna of Ann and the Robertson family, and to continue my academic journey here. The opportunity to complete my academic career within the Aberystwyth community is truly special, and I’m grateful for the connections and support it provides. 

“Meeting the Robertson family and sharing memories of Ann was a moving and inspiring experience. It was wonderful to learn about her remarkable legacy, and I hope my work reflects the values and impact she would have wanted to see. I am deeply grateful for this award, which will greatly support my research and future contributions to healthcare.”

Ann Robertson with husband David

Born in London in 1932, Isabel Ann Robertson’s (nee Davies) links with Aberystwyth and the University extended over several generations.

Her mother, Enid Sayers, graduated in English from the then University College of Wales Aberystwyth in the 1920s and later (as Enid Davies) was Vice President of the Old Students’ Association.

Her father, C W Davies, was also an Aberystwyth graduate, later becoming a Professor of Chemistry and Head of the Chemistry Department.

A generation earlier, and her grandfather helped to build the National Library.

Ann herself studied Physics when the department was still based in the Old College, graduating with a BSc in 1954 and an MSc by research in 1957.

She was also a College athlete and a member of the Sailing Club, where she met her husband David Robertson.

David’s work for the Forestry Commission took them to many different parts of the UK, including Glasgow, where Ann took an MSc in Computer Science.

They returned to Aberystwyth in the 1980s and Ann would go on to work as a tutor in the Department of Computer Science for 25 years, until 2009.

Their daughter, Sara Robertson, also studied at Aberystwyth from 1978 to 1981 and their granddaughter, Fiona Robertson, followed, from 2011 to 2015.

Further details about the Isabel Ann Robertson Scholarship and how to apply are available online https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/grad-school/funding-opportunities

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