Gifts in wills can have a transformative impact on the lives of future generations of Balliol students. Thanks to a generous legacy gift from the late Brian Dickinson (1958, Literae Humaniores), Eleanor March (2023, BPhil Philosophy) has had the opportunity to continue to study the subject she loves.
This scholarship means I can study and pursue research in the subject I love - without it I would not be able to afford to continue studying philosophy. Doing research in philosophy of physics – seeking to understand our best physical theories and what they say about what the world is like – is one of the greatest joys and privileges in my life. It means a lot to me to have this scholarship, both as a vote of confidence in my potential and in terms of the freedom it gives me to do work in my field of study.
My aim is to acquire a wider variety of knowledge across philosophy and to develop the skills which will equip me for future research working in philosophy of physics. Over the past year, I have published 5 papers and written about 10 others, and attended and given talks at conferences, seminars, and workshops across the UK and US. I have also gained valuable experience teaching undergraduates and organising the graduate philosophy of physics seminar in Oxford.
One thing which I have particularly valued about the Balliol is the friendliness and strong sense of community among the student body. During my time here, I have been actively involved in supporting the musical life of the College. I have been part of the choir, regularly perform chamber music with friends in the termly members’ concerts, and last year was General Secretary of the College Musical Society. My favourite thing about Balliol is the beautiful gardens – I love being able to take my work outside and have many fond memories of sitting on the lawn reading or writing essays in the sunshine during Trinity term.
I am incredibly thankful to the donor who funded my scholarship for enabling me to be here, to study, to pursue research, and to follow my dreams and passions. Their support and generosity has made my research and study these last years possible, and I would not be where I am now were it not for them. It’s difficult to put into words what a gift this has been, but let me just say: every day that I wake up and get to work on a paper, figure out some mathematical physics, wrestle with the hard questions that our best physics raises, delve deep into some new corner of the literature in the field, or have discussions with other researchers about my work, fills me with excitement and wonder, and the fact that I am able to do that is down to their support. So I want to say thank you again, it really means the world to me.
Eleanor March (2023, BPhil Philosophy)Recipient of the Brian Dickinson Scholarship
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