,

OFR and the University of Edinburgh Launch the Alistair Henderson Bursary to Support Future Fire Engineers

Edinburgh, September 2026

OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh have launched the Alistair Henderson Bursary, creating a legacy in honour of one of the fire engineering profession’s most respected figures while supporting the next generation of engineers.

Established through a partnership between OFR 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 students studying the University’s BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) degrees in Structural and Fire Safety Engineering.

Alistair Henderson was widely respected for his technical expertise, generosity and dedication to developing others. Named in honour of Alistair Henderson, who sadly passed away following a battle with cancer in 2020, OFR sought a meaningful way to honour his legacy. The Alistair Henderson Bursary will help ensure his impact continues through the students and future engineers it supports for years to come. Through this initiative, OFR and the University of Edinburgh aim to help remove barriers to the access of higher education and encourage more students to pursue careers in a profession that plays a vital role in protecting people, places and communities.

The bursary has been created not only to recognise Alistair’s achievements, but also to ensure his impact continues to be felt through the students it supports in the years ahead.

As one of the UK’s leading providers of Structural and Fire Safety Engineering education, the University of Edinburgh has 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, OFR Consultants, said:

“Alistair made an enormous contribution to fire engineering, not only through the quality of his technical work, but through the time, care and encouragement he gave to others. This bursary is a fitting way to recognise that legacy by helping talented students access engineering education and consider a future in fire safety. We are delighted to work with the University of Edinburgh to support the next generation of engineers in Alistair’s name.”

Professor Luke Bisby,  University of Edinburgh, said:

“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. Widening participation is not simply about fairness in admissions; it is about strengthening our profession with the diversity of perspectives and lived experience that lead to safer, 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’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 to help develop the next generation of fire engineers who will carry that responsibility forward.”

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

The bursary will be awarded from the 2026/27 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, click here.

Latest Posts

Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance (opens in a new tab)

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.