“I dreamt of going to space”

For students like Egor, finances can get in the way of making the most of everything Imperial has to offer. Generous support from Imperial alumni like you meant he could take an overseas research placement, helping him fulfil his potential.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamt of going to space: of reaching the cold stars and seeing what was really up there. I came to Imperial as part of my plan to achieve this ambition: to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency.

Originally, I came to the UK as a refugee, my family fleeing political persecution by a dictatorial regime. The opportunity to come to Imperial was the culmination of years of effort and the fulfilment of my parents’ dream: that one day their children may pursue their passions and live freely in a prosperous nation.

“My undergraduate research placement abroad was an immensely enlightening experience, made possible by Imperial supporters like you.”

I sought financial support because I wanted to pursue a research topic that I cared a lot about – thermoacoustic oscillations – but didn’t really have the money to do. I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have been given the chance to work with people at the very cutting edge of scientific development.

The placement has helped me find a field that I really enjoy studying and want to specialise in. I have learned a lot of both hard and soft skills: foundational knowledge that will aid me on my way, as well as skills that go beyond mathematics: teamwork, adaptability and communication.

“I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who donates to support students.”

I cannot overstate just how important your donations are, and just what sort of positive impact they are having on young people looking to go into STEM. This is the first step on the long ladder of my academic career, and it would not have been at all possible for me to take part without your support.