SF Planning team member, Aiden Xuezi Zhang will receive a prestigious Future Planners bursary to fund his studies in planning, after a rigorous selection process. Aiden’s passion and talent  for planning was recognised when his submission to The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) was shortlisted, and subsequently awarded, the RTPI Future Planners Bursary for 2022.

The Government Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) funds the bursary, which is awarded to selected students on enrolment at one of the RTPI’s accredited planning schools in England. The bursary is to be used in conjunction with the cost of their studies for the academic year.

The bursaries are intended to encourage and support diverse talent. Applications are invited from graduates from a variety of related disciplines who are interested in planning. Applicants must also be pursuing a fully accredited planning master’s degree.

Aiden said:

“I am really honoured to have received the bursary and also for the support I get from SF Planning; I am excited to use the funding towards studying a fully accredited Master’s degree in planning. Planning is an exciting subject to study since it impacts so many aspects of our daily lives. It’s inspiring to know that good planning can help society or an individual’s quality of life.”

Simon Firkins, managing Director at SF Planning said:

“Many congratulations to Aiden. The bursary is well deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication to his studies. SFP are fortunate to be part of his journey and anticipate a very successful career in planning for him”