Promoting and supporting the materials science & engineering
Welcome to Scottish Association for Metals
Through careful management of investments inherited from the West of Scotland Iron and Steel Institute, SAM is able to sponsor various activities.
It uses the income from these investments to provide financial support for activities that promote the advancement of the science and technology of metals, alloys and allied materials. Approximately £7000 is available annually and is currently used to support:
- Engineering societies and teams at the Universities across Scotland; for example Formula Student teams.
- The training of Technology Teachers working in Scottish Secondary Schools
- The exchange and development of knowledge and understanding of materials amongst individual researchers and teachers
- The provision of student prizes at University's across Scotland
Training teacher
SSERC offers a broad portfolio of services principally in support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics areas of the school curriculum. This includes the provision of Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL) for early years, primary and secondary teachers, student teachers and school and college technicians.
The Association provides funding to support the delivery of training for technology teachers.
Grants to individual teachers and researchers
Welcome to Scottish Association for Metals
- The Scottish Association for Metals provides grants to individual researchers or teachers if it is judged that such a grant aids in promoting the advancement of the science and technology of metals, alloys and allied materials.
- The purpose of the award will be to assist the recipients to exchange or develop knowledge and understanding in the processing and behaviour of metals and allied materials.
- The award will normally contribute towards the travel and accommodation costs incurred by the recipients in the pursuit of these aims.
- Recipients will be expected to acknowledge the support of the Association and to support and promote its activities.
- All applications for an award must be submitted in writing to the Honorary Secretary of the Association using the grant form below not less than one month before the expenditure.
- The application should state the reason for the request, a breakdown of the expected costs, the expected contribution from the Association and the level of funding from other sources.
- The award will normally be paid to a business or academic establishment and will only be paid to individuals on proof of expenditure.
- All awards are at the sole discretion of the Association and no correspondence can be entered into.
Student Prizes and Programme‑Embedded Activities
The Scottish Association for Metals sponsors student prizes and awards associated with university programmes, courses, or individual modules where the activities support the advancement of engineering, materials science, and manufacturing education.
In particular, the Association is keen to support group‑based activities embedded within academic programmes that enhance engineering teamwork, collaborative problem‑solving, and the practical application of materials and manufacturing knowledge. Suitable activities may include team design projects, challenge‑based learning, capstone modules, or other assessed group work that reflects real‑world engineering practice.
We recognise the value of such activities in developing professional skills including team working, leadership, communication, and project delivery, alongside strong technical understanding.
The Association is open to considering proposals for student prizes linked to these activities and welcomes early engagement to explore suitability and scope.
Institutions or programme leads interested in discussing potential support are encouraged to contact the Association to open a discussion.
