Entrants must be 18 years or over at application deadline, (15 September ‘09) currently completing their final year of school or sixth form college and have been accepted onto a university or other tertiary education course. The winners will be awarded €6,000, paid in two installments.

Last year’s winner was Amanprit Johal (pictured), whose scholarship helped her to continue her BSc degree in Geography with Urban and Regional Planning. Amanprit from Birmingham, who was presented with her award by the Lord Mayor, said: “I’m over the moon! Words can’t describe what an honour it is to accept the scholarship. The award is above all an emotional support, showing that my efforts and continuous learning have been worth it.”

Graeme Clark is the Professor of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne. It is the pioneering work of his university department that led to the first multi-channel research implant “bionic ear” being “switched on” in 1978 and the first Nucleus implant in 1982. His lifelong commitment to finding a solution for the hearing impaired has resulted in a revolution not only for those with a profound hearing loss but also their family and friends.

For further information, contact Kate King by email or visit http://www.cochlear.co.uk.