Borges Nhamirre from Inhambane province in Mozambique has been announced as the first ever recipient of the Kenmare Resources PhD Studentship, a new postgraduate studentship recently launched at Queen’s University Belfast. 

Funded by Kenmare Resources Plc (Kenmare), the studentship offers students from Mozambique the opportunity to further their education at the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queen’s (HAPP).  

Speaking about the importance of the studentship, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“Supporting our students through philanthropy is an essential part of what we do at Queen’s. We are committed to supporting students in a variety of ways but particularly those from communities at home and across the globe who would almost certainly not get the opportunity otherwise.

"Congratulations to Borges on being awarded this important and unique studentship – Queen’s and our wider society will be richer for his contribution.”

Praising  Borges and Kenmare, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s, Eddie Friel, said:

“We are extremely grateful to Kenmare Resources Plc for providing this life-changing opportunity to enable Borges to further his education and add to the doctoral community in Mozambique.  

"This type of generous philanthropy provides opportunities for students across the world to study at Queen’s and contributes to the skills and diversity that set our University apart. We look forward to welcoming Borges to Queen’s very soon.’’ 

Eric Morier-Genoud, Professor in African History and Associate Director of Internationalisation in HAPP and the lead academic for the studentship, added:

“Borges Nhamirre is a superb choice for the first Kenmare Resources PhD Studentship. He is a well-established and well-known intellectual in Mozambique. He has lots of research experience and a unique multi-disciplinary approach. We greatly look forward to his coming to Belfast and his contribution to Queen’s University.” 

Borges said:

“I'm thrilled to have won the Kenmare Studentship; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"As someone born in a rural area of Mozambique, where people struggle to have a decent meal daily, it would be almost impossible for me to fund my studies at a top university like Queen’s.” 

Speaking about the support provided by Kenmare to establish the scholarship, Former Queen’s student, Kenmare Founder Michael Carvill said:

“We are delighted that the studentship has gone to such a worthy recipient as Borges; his academic research will add to the understanding of the complex issues which confront Mozambique and its citizens in these challenging times.”