Two Edinburgh-based Scots are among nine recipients of Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) Fellowships supporting international study, research and professional development.
Edinburgh-based researcher Andro Mathewson has been awarded a Fellowship to undertake final-stage doctoral research in Ukraine, while Edinburgh flautist Clio Scott will use hers to continue her advanced musical studies in Vienna.
Andro, who was born in Illinois and brought up in Scotland, is completing a PhD at King’s College London examining unmanned systems in the Russia-Ukraine war. His Fellowship will support a 10-day final-stage research visit to Ukraine, allowing him to undertake research on the ground as he completes his doctorate.
As part of his research, Andro has created the Unmanned Systems Tracker, an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind his research and helping to raise awareness of the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
Andro Mathewson said: “Being funded by the Scottish International Education Trust is a great privilege and honour for me. Beyond the financial award, which will help me to finish my PhD research, including on-the-ground in Ukraine, it means a lot that a Scottish organization is supporting research in the realm of defense and emerging military technologies.
“As part of my research I have already created the Unmanned Systems Tracker (unmannedsystemstracker.com), an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind my research to help raise awareness about the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.”
Clio Scott has been awarded a Fellowship to study for a Master’s in Instrumental Studies (Flute Performance) at MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
The award will help Clio meet the costs of her advanced musical training and allow her to focus on her studies with an internationally recognised teacher in Vienna.
Clio Scott said: “Being given an award by the Scottish International Education Trust feels like a huge vote of confidence in me. Training to be a classical musician is a long, arduous path and is also incredibly expensive.
The assistance offered by the SIET will help me to be able to fully immerse myself in my studies without worrying about financial barriers. I am beyond excited to be beginning the next stage of my education in Vienna, where I’ll have the opportunity to study with an incredible teacher in a city that’s renowned for its classical music as well as its beauty!”
The Fellowships are two of nine awarded by SIET in its Autumn 2026 awards round, supporting Scots to pursue international study, research and professional opportunities.
SIET Chair Nick Bibby said: “We are delighted to support another group of talented Scots as they take the next step in their education, research and professional development.
“What unites our Fellows is not a particular subject or career path, but their ambition, drive and the potential of the international opportunities they have chosen to pursue. We are proud to play a part in helping Andro and Clio take these important next steps in their respective fields, and look forward to seeing where their international opportunities lead.”
SIET Director Ken Thomson said: “Our Fellows demonstrate the many different ways in which international education and experience can change the course of a life.
“These awards are about recognising ability and potential, but also about helping to remove financial barriers that can prevent talented people from taking up exceptional opportunities.
“We wish all nine Fellows every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys, and hope that their experiences overseas will ultimately benefit not only their own careers but Scotland more widely.”
The Scottish International Education Trust was established in 1971 by founders Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart. For more than 50 years, the Trust has supported Scots to access transformative international educational experiences, particularly where financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from doing so.
SIET typically supports postgraduate education overseas, but also funds musicians, artists, craftspeople and other professionals where education involves developing specialist skills outside a conventional academic setting.
Awards are made twice a year.
