GSK announces new scholarships to recognise retiring CEO Sir Andrew Witty’s contribution to global health

- The Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships will be funded by GSK and run by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- 10-year agreement to fund 30 scholars from sub-Saharan Africa on a Master of Science programme

Issued: London UK

GSK has today announced a new partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to establish the Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships. The partnership recognises the contribution Sir Andrew has made to the company and more broadly, his deep commitment to addressing health challenges in the developing world, particularly in Africa.

The scholarship fund will support the training and development of the next generation of leaders in global health, and strengthen the capacity of health systems in Africa. Over the 10-year period, which mirrors Sir Andrew’s tenure as CEO of GSK, 30 scholarships will be awarded to applicants from sub-Saharan Africa following a rigorous selection process. 

Scholars will study in London towards a one-year Master’s degree on a health topic such as infectious disease control or global mental health, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a world-leading centre for research and post-graduate education. Tuition fees and a tax-free living allowance will be funded by GSK.

Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “I have known Andrew for more than thirty years, and I am delighted that his outstanding leadership and achievements are being honoured with this scholarship fund established in his name. It is a fitting tribute to his efforts to improve health around the world.

“The Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships will play an important role in supporting the next generation of public and global health leaders in Africa. The MSc programme will equip them with the expertise to improve health services in their countries and communities, and will strengthen the continent’s capacity to respond to the important and changing health challenges it faces.”

About the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health, with more than 4,000 students and 1,000 staff working in over 100 countries. The School is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, is among the world's leading schools in public and global health, and was named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2016. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. www.lshtm.ac.uk

About the Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarship Fund

Three scholarships per year over ten years are offered to support the training and development of the next generation of leaders in global health, and strengthen the capacity of health systems in Africa. These highly competitive scholarships are available to applicants intending to study on a one-year, full-time, London-based MSc programme at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The full list of programmes is as follows:

  • Control of Infectious Diseases
  • Demography & Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Mental Health
  • Health Policy Planning & Financing
  • Immunology of Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Entomology for Disease Control
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Medical Parasitology
  • Medical Statistics
  • Nutrition for Global Health
  • One Health (Infectious Diseases)
  • Public Health
  • Public Health for Eye Care
  • Public Health for Development
  • Reproductive & Sexual Health Research
  • Tropical Medicine & International Health
  • Veterinary Epidemiology

For more information, visit: www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/funding/masters_scholarships.html