Tim Morris Award

Tim Morris (1982-2012) was dedicated to providing education to those less fortunate in the low-income countries. As a key player in CfBT's Business Development department (now Education Development Trust's Development Centre), Tim was instrumental in designing and providing education and employment opportunities for the world's most disadvantaged people.

Tim's experience in international education and economics led to the completion of his Masters in Educational Planning, Economics and International Development at the Institute of Education. Tim's dream was to use this foundation to launch his career on aid projects in the developing world. However, Tim was just 29 when his life was tragically cut short by cancer. His unwavering passion and dedication to improve education for public benefit worldwide is why CfBT Education Trust set up the Tim Morris Award in his name. While Tim is now unable to continue working to help those most in need, this legacy will continue to make a difference.

To date, four reports have been published through Tim Morris Award funding:

Constructing schools in recurring armed conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo, Cyril Brandt

Language, literacy and learning in Tanzanian secondary schools, Laela Adamson

Great expectations: aspirations, uncertainty and schooling in Rwanda, Timothy Williams

Girls' education in pastoral communities, Adella Raymond

The next round of applications is now open and will close at the end of January 2025, with interviews taking place mid-late February.

Applicants invited to interview will be required to submit a personal statement that summarises their research, a confirmation of their acceptance onto a PhD programme and an academic reference. We are looking to accept applications from PhD students conducting fieldwork in a low- or middle-income context in early years, general education (primary and secondary – including non-formal education), TVET, and careers & employability (including transitions from school to work).  

We are particularly interested in any research with a gender, equity, disability and social inclusion lens.  

To apply, please fill in this online form, where you’ll be asked to provide the following information: 

• Contact details 
• Details of your university and supervisor 
• Information about your thesis (title, level of education, country of study, context of research, aims and objectives of your research, methodology, potential contribution to knowledge) 
• An explanation of what difference the award money will make to you 

Please reach out to Rachael Fitzpatrick, our Head of Research, if you have any questions about your eligibility to apply for the award. Please note there are no restrictions based on what country you are studying in. Awards are granted based on merit of the application, and a demonstrated need for the difference the award money will make to your studies.

Click here to apply