Congratulations to Tobias Kunz who has recently been awarded the Engineering Leaders Scholarship from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

We caught up with Tobias to ask a few questions about what the scholarship means for him.

Why did you apply for the scholarship?  

It started with a fascination in cutting edge bionic eye technologies for the visually impaired. However, on further investigation I learnt about the plight of the patients who had gained some vision, but had it snatched away again when the company they relied on folded, failed to provide continued technical support, and inevitably their devices broke with no chance of repair.

This set a goal that I’ve been focussing my uni path around. I wanted to combine my biomaterials fascination from my course with an entreprenurial drive, to head towards a long term goal of forming a medical device company that would create longer lasting devices and better patient support

I joined SELSA (Sheffield Engineering Leadership and Service Award), who hosted a talk by Tim Lai, an ELS alumnus, introducing us to the vibrancy of the ELS Scholarship community, and how the RAEng supports its members to develop themselves into engineers who lead change. I knew this would be the perfect learning ground to develop the skills to start the journey towards my aim after university.

Did you receive any support when applying for the scholarship?

Yes, I really appreciated the support of staff across the Engineering faculty. Big shoutouts to them for giving their time.

Liz Taylor (who heads up the SELSA student engagement team) read over my application and was really encouraging. ​She ​put me in touch with Professor Joan Cordiner who’s interview feedback​​ was incredibly insightful and Dr Tom Hayward's support with his reference was fantastic!

How will this scholarship help you?

We kicked off the scholarship with a personal development plan – a 10 year projection thinking critically about our aims and pathway. Reflecting on this enthused me with a sense of purpose. Persevering through challenges is a lot easier when you have a clear goal you’re striving towards

One of the great things about the Royal Academy is their culture of mentorship. I’ve just come back from the annual ELS alumni event - being part of a community of students your age who are creating interesting things is super inspiring, and everybody has the drive to lift each other up, sharing opportunities, contacts, and ideas. 

There’s a designated mentorship scheme as well, meaning we not only get support, but get to pay it forward to the next generation of innovators too. 

There are game changing conversations happening all the time in the Royal Academy, so it’ll be great to listen in and learn. Just the other week I learnt of some new startups overseas which are already cracking on with making bionic eyes. The scholarship, especially the financial aspect can help facilitate my internship application to them. The chance to immerse myself in a company like this will be the best way to learn and contribute to the cause.

Any advice for someone thinking of applying in the future?  

• Firstly, just go for it! Applying to such a prestigious body can feel daunting but persevere through - trust in the value of your unique lived experience.
• If you get stuck with the application (I did!) seek out advice from people who have done it successfully before you.
• I’m super grateful to an ELS alumni I contacted through Linkedin, who generously gave their time to critique my application - it helped me to focus my application 
• Focus on developing a clear vision of the impact you want to make. Then authentically communicate that vision and how you are the person to lead it, through telling a compelling story – your story.