University of Gibraltar Welcomes FOGHS for Annual Visit

Since 2017, FOGHS has supported the University’s PhD Programme through annual bursaries. In 2022, this support was broadened to include students enrolled in the MSc in Marine Science and Climate Change and the MSc in Environmental Science and Climate Change, further strengthening opportunities for postgraduate research.

To date, FOGHS contributions have supported 26 postgraduate research projects, 16 at Master’s level and 10 at PhD level, spanning a range of disciplines united by a shared focus on protecting Gibraltar’s unique heritage and environment, while reinforcing links between Gibraltar and the UK.

During this year’s visit, Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Bachleda welcomed the FOGHS delegation to campus, where the latest bursary recipients were introduced and formally acknowledged. The 2026 awardees include Helen Gibbons, a PhD student exploring the evolution of British identity since 2016, and Lillianne Hawkins, an MSc student studying the spatial ecology of macaques using GPS collar tracking.

The visit also provided an opportunity to hear updates from previous awardees. Natalie Muirhead-Davis, PhD student, presented her work on marine conservation tools and challenges in UK Overseas Territories, while Dr Rob Chandler, PhD alumnus, shared progress on a prototype system to track real-time movement of individual bats.

The University congratulates the 2026 awardees and extends its sincere thanks to FOGHS for its continued support. This annual visit remains an important moment to reflect on shared achievements and look ahead to future collaboration.

The University looks forward to welcoming the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society again in 2027.