Set up via a partnership between OFR and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, the bursary will deliver financial support to undergraduate students in the UK studying an engineering degree that might pave the way towards a career in fire safety.

Students studying the University’s BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) degrees in Structural and Fire Safety Engineering will be given priority.

Alistair Henderson was widely respected for his technical expertise. The bursary is named in honour of Henderson, who passed away after a cancer battle in 2020. 

The bursary will help ensure his impact continues through the students and future engineers it will be supporting. 

OFR and the University of Edinburgh intend to break down barriers to the accessibility of higher education and encourage more students to take up careers in the profession through the bursary. 

Dr Danny Hopkin, OFR Consultants, said: “Alistair made an enormous contribution to fire engineering, not only through the quality of his technical work, but through the time, care and encouragement he gave to others. 

“This bursary is a fitting way to recognise that legacy by helping talented students access engineering education and consider a future in fire safety.”

Professor Luke Bisby, University of Edinburgh, said: “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. 

“Widening participation is not simply about fairness in admissions; it is about strengthening our profession with the diversity of perspectives and lived experience that lead to safer, better-designed buildings.”

Bisby added: “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’s Phase 2 recommendations, which call for a more competent, better-resourced and more accountable fire safety sector.”

The launch of the bursary forms part of OFR’s wider commitment to supporting learning, professional development and greater access to careers in engineering. Through its collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, OFR intends to help inspire talented students who will go on to shape fire and structural engineering’s future. 

The bursary will be awarded from the academic year of 2026/27 and is now open to eligible applicants via the university.