LONDON.- Laura Collins, a student at the University of Sheffield, has been awarded the inaugural RIBA Stephen Williams Scholarship to finish her Part 2 studies during the academic year 2009/10.

The scholarship – named in memory of Stephen James Williams, a past Director of Aedas – was created to provide an annual scholarship of £5,000 to support one student enrolled in a Masters degree or the final year of a Part 2 programme in Architecture (for a period of 12 months) in a School of Architecture validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the UK or abroad.

The jury, which comprised David Simister, from Aedas, Carol Williams, and David Howarth and John Edmonds, representing the RIBA Education Trust Funds Committee, were unanimous in their decision.

Speaking today, John-Paul Nunes, Head of Education Projects at the RIBA said: "We congratulate Laura Collins for winning the inaugural RIBA Stephen Williams Scholarship. Her submission showed a remarkable commitment to architecture, with impeccable references from academics and practitioners. We are very grateful to Aedas for funding this scholarship and supporting a talented student who would not be able to complete her studies without this generous support."

Alan Blyth, Regional Director at Aedas said: "We are delighted to present this award to Laura Collins whose entry was judged as the strongest from 12 very high quality submissions. We were impressed with the level of depth and clarity she presented. As part of this award, we are pleased to offer the time and experience of Aedas' Creative Director, David Simister who will mentor Laura's work."