The Geoffrey Sneed Engineering & STEM Scholarship Launches
20th February 2026
Dr Geoffrey Sneed devoted his life to learning, innovation and inspiring others through science and engineering. Raised in Ilford, he showed an early aptitude for maths, physics and engineering, which shaped his academic and professional career.
After graduating from Imperial College London and completing a PhD, Geoffrey spent 15 years teaching physics, maths, chemistry and applied sciences at Ealing High School. Known for his forward-thinking approach, he helped establish one of the first purpose-built applied science laboratories in a state grammar school and developed specialist experimental equipment, with a strong focus on real-world application.
Beyond the classroom, Geoffrey held senior academic and research roles, including as a research director at the University of Surrey, as well as appointments at the Science Museum and Imperial College. In 1979, he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study international approaches to science education and later received the Churchill Medal at 10 Downing Street.
An inventor as well as an educator, Geoffrey created the Pulsometer, a medical chronograph watch designed to measure heart rate quickly. His work consistently reflected his belief that engineering should serve society and solve practical problems.
Inspiring young people remained central to his life. He founded the Molecule Club, introducing children to science through a musical performance that toured schools across the Midlands. Alongside this, he maintained a lifelong interest in the motor industry, writing extensively about its engineering and history.
When Geoffrey died in 2022 with no immediate family, he agreed that his estate should be used to establish a charitable fund in his name, recognising his lifelong contribution to education.
A New Opportunity for Future Engineers
This decision led to the creation of the Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Scholarship, offering a new opportunity for academically able students across Essex who face financial barriers to higher education.
Through ongoing financial support, the scholarship helps students focus on their studies and progress into careers where engineering and STEM knowledge can be used for wider societal benefit – values central to Geoffrey’s life and work.
What the Scholarship Offers
The scholarship provides financial support towards living costs while studying at university. Awards are made for an initial three-year period, with the potential for review for a fourth year, helping to ensure stability and continued support throughout a student’s degree.
Rajesh Bhramav who received funding to support his degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge University shared :
“ The Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Fund has had a truly meaningful impact on my journey through sixth form and into university. The books, financial support and academic resources provided were instrumental in supporting my A-level studies and university applications, and this support has enabled me to pursue my ambitions with confidence and make the most of the opportunities available at university. In addition, the encouragement and belief shown by the members of the Essex Community Fund has been truly invaluable.”
Another student who has benefited from the Fund is Rithvik Badiadka, who also recently received a grant to support his degree at Warwick University and shared with us the difference it has made to his university experience.
“ The support from the Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Fund has had a significant impact on my experience at Warwick and allowed me to immerse more fully in university life, especially at a difficult time in my life where the financial pressures on my family would have made it quite difficult for me to fully explore the opportunities here at Warwick. The Fund has supported my day-to-day living costs whilst also giving me the opportunity to join various societies and sports clubs, and this balance between academic focus and personal development has had an incredibly positive impact on my time so far at Warwick. I am incredibly grateful and indebted to the Fund and Essex Community Foundation for all their support.”
Interested in Applying?
If you live in Essex, East London/Essex border, are currently studying A Levels, and plan to progress to a STEM-based degree, particularly Engineering, you may be eligible to apply.