OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh have launched the Alistair Henderson Bursary in memory of one of the fire engineering profession’s most respected figures, helping to support the next generation of fire safety engineers.

Established in partnership with the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, the bursary will provide financial support to UK undergraduate students studying engineering degrees that could lead to a career in fire safety.

Priority will be given to students undertaking the University’s BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) programmes in Structural and Fire Safety Engineering.

The bursary has been established in memory of Alistair Henderson (pictured, right), who was highly regarded across the profession for his technical expertise, generosity and commitment to supporting the development of others.

Following his death from cancer in 2020, OFR Consultants sought to create a lasting tribute that would reflect his contribution to the profession and his dedication to nurturing future talent.

Through the bursary, Alistair’s legacy will continue by supporting aspiring engineers as they develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in fire safety.

The initiative also aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and encourage more students to consider careers in fire engineering, a discipline that plays an essential role in protecting people, property and the built environment.

Supporting the next generation

The University of Edinburgh has an established reputation for delivering structural and fire safety engineering education and developing skilled professionals equipped to meet the challenges of the built environment.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in developing future talent and creating more accessible routes into the fire engineering profession.

By providing financial support to eligible students, the initiative will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled engineers entering the sector and contribute to the continued development of fire safety expertise.

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.”

Commitment to skills and professional development

The bursary forms part of OFR Consultants’ wider commitment to education, professional development and improving access to careers in engineering.

Through its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, OFR Consultants aims to encourage and support talented individuals who will help shape the future of fire and structural engineering.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary will be available from the 2026–2027 academic year, with applications now open to eligible students through the University of Edinburgh.

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