Hello,

Girls that take A-levels in subjects such as maths, physics and computer science (some of the STEM subjects) perform better than boys. Yet, female students represent a minority of the postgraduate student population in those same subjects (as little as 18% in engineering -- see striking graph below). As a University lecturer,  this is something I can observe  every day. 

I think it is essential to actively encourage high-performing female students to take up postgraduate studies in STEM subjects, especially those first-generation scholars who are often implicitly or explicitly discouraged from doing so.

I will be running my first marathon in order to raise money for a scholarship to be given to a promising first-generation female student undertaking a postgraduate degree in either Maths, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering at the University of Sussex. 

The Brighton marathon takes place 17 April 2016. I am currently in the 3rd week of a 16-week training programme. On the way, I will also be running the Worthing half-marathon (14 February 2016). Lots of miles to run in not-so-friendly weather so please help me stick with it with your donations.

Thank you for your support! 

Luc Berthouze