Discover how ICorr’s bursary partnership with the University of Manchester is making a positive impact on students’ higher education journeys, providing financial support, encouraging academic excellence, and offering a valuable stepping stone towards a rewarding career in corrosion engineering.

Read Jana Al Shami’s story to learn how the bursary is supporting aspiring corrosion professionals and helping to build the future of the industry.

 How the ICorr Scholarship Programme Supported My Higher Education Journey

 As a Materials Science and Engineering student with a strong interest in sustainability, I have always been motivated by the challenge of developing solutions that will help reduce environmental impact. Throughout my studies, I have become increasingly interested in the role that materials performance and corrosion management play in creating safer, more sustainable  nfrastructure and energy systems.

 My involvement with the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) has been an important part of that journey. Through ICorr, I have gained a greater understanding of the real-world effect of corrosion across a wide range of industries and have had the opportunity to engage with professionals who are helping to address some of the sector’s most important challenges. Learning from experts in the field has inspired my interest in corrosion and safety engineering, which has given me valuable insight into potential career pathways.

Receiving an ICorr Scholarship has been both an honour and a significant source of support. Like many students, I balance my studies with part-time work to help cover living expenses. The financial support provided by the scholarship has reduced that pressure considerably, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my academic work and professional development.

In addition to the financial benefits, the scholarship has given me confidence in my abilities and pushed me to achieve my aspirations. Being recognised by a respected professional body such as ICorr has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career within the corrosion sector. Also, it has motivated me to continue reaching for high academic performance and to take full advantage of opportunities to develop my knowledge and industry connections.

 Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in corrosion and safety engineering, with a focus on environmentally sustainable projects and clean energy technologies. Corrosion prevention and materials integrity are essential to the safe and efficient operation of many low-carbon energy systems, and I am excited by the prospect of contributing to solutions that will help create a more sustainable future.

 I am incredibly grateful to ICorr for investing in students through its Scholarship Programme. The support I have received has had a meaningful impact on my higher education journey, helping me focus on my studies while building a strong foundation for my future career.

I would encourage other students with an interest in engineering, materials, or corrosion to explore the opportunities that ICorr offers. The experience along with the professional connections can make a real difference, both during your studies and beyond.

 Jana Al Shami – ICorr Scholarship Recipient

If you’re considering studying corrosion at the University of Manchester, you may be eligible to apply for an ICorr–University of Manchester bursary. Prospective students are invited to complete the application questionnaire as part of the scholarship process.

 Ali Oskuie, Asset Integrity Engineer, PhD, MSc

Congratulations to our new Midlands Branch Chair Dr. Ali Oskuie on stepping into this leadership role with a clear vision for the future of our corrosion community. In this article, we take a closer look at Ali’s journey with ICorr and his vision for the Midlands Branch.

1. About yourself, your ICorr involvement, and your journey

My name is Ali Oskuie, and I am a corrosion engineering professional currently working at Worley UK. I specialise in risk-based inspection (RBI) and asset integrity management (AIM), and have been involved in managing several large-scale projects in these areas.

I hold a PhD in corrosion engineering and have over 13 years of experience in the field. I began my career in Iran, where I completed my doctoral studies and spent seven years working in industry before relocating to the UK in 2022 to join Cranfield University as a Knowledge Transfer Associate.

Although I was aware of ICorr prior to moving to the UK, my relocation provided the opportunity to engage more closely with the institute. I became a member and, through my professional network, connected with Dr Prafull Sharma, who was the Midlands Branch Chair at the time.

During this period, I was nominated as Branch Secretary. This role gave me valuable first-hand experience of ICorr activities and the branch’s role in promoting and disseminating corrosion knowledge.

Following Dr Sharma’s departure earlier this year, I was honoured that the committee approved my nomination to take on the role of Midlands Branch Chair.

2. What are your priorities as you begin your tenure?

My primary priority is to strengthen collaboration across industry, academia, and students within the Midlands region. I aim to build a strong network and database of professionals and organisations to help bridge these communities more effectively.

A key focus will be increasing industry engagement. Industrial partners play an important role in expanding corrosion knowledge through sponsorship and collaboration, while also benefiting from visibility and access to emerging talent.

Another priority is the organisation of regular technical webinars on topical issues. Hosting monthly sessions will provide continuous learning opportunities, attract a wider audience, and support growth in both membership and engagement.

In addition, I intend to strengthen links with universities in the region by engaging lecturers and researchers and encouraging their participation in our events.

3. What expansion opportunities do you see for the branch over the next year?

Over the next year, I see strong opportunities to expand both our industry partnerships and our digital presence.

Increasing the number of industry sponsors will be an important objective.

At the same time, we will focus on strengthening our visibility through social media and digital platforms to reach a wider audience, particularly students and early-career engineers.

4. What do you see as the major branch events of the 2026–2027 session?

One of our key ambitions for 2027 is to organise a one- to two-day conference in collaboration with a university or industry partner.

Alongside this, we plan to continue our programme of monthly webinars covering topical technical subjects such as pipeline corrosion, hydrogen-related corrosion challenges, renewable energy, and professional development topics such as project management.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our members?

I strongly believe that our members are at the heart of everything we do—they are not just members, but colleagues and a professional community.

I encourage all members to engage with the branch by sharing ideas and feedback through our communication channels. We are committed to listening and continuously improving our services.

Please contact me at: midlandschair@icorr.org

ICorr President Visits the University of Manchester to Inspire the Next Generation of Corrosion Professionals

Dr Yunnan Gao, President of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), visited the University of Manchester on 26 June 2026 to engage with engineering students and introduce the opportunities available through ICorr membership, professional development, and involvement in the global corrosion community.

Following the successful collaboration between ICorr and the University of Manchester, Dr Gao was invited to deliver a presentation entitled:

“Meet the ICorr President – How the Institute of Corrosion Can Help UoM Students Develop Their Careers”

The event was hosted at the Engineering Building, University of Manchester, and was attended by students with an interest in corrosion, materials engineering, and related disciplines. The session provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the role of ICorr, its activities, and how involvement with the professional body can support their academic journey and future careers.

The visit followed Dr Gao’s earlier engagement with the University of Manchester, where he met with ICorr Scholarship recipient students and discussed the importance of supporting young engineers entering the corrosion profession. The combined activities reflect ICorr’s ongoing commitment to encouraging student participation, developing future corrosion specialists, and strengthening links between academia and industry.

During the presentation, Dr Gao introduced ICorr’s mission and role in advancing corrosion prevention, management, and engineering excellence. Key topics covered included:

• The role of ICorr in supporting the corrosion profession in the UK and internationally
• The benefits and opportunities available through free ICorr student membership
• Career development pathways, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and routes towards professional registration
• Young engineer initiatives, mentoring opportunities, and professional networking
• ICorr’s engagement with international corrosion organisations and global activities, including collaboration with partners in China
• The importance of building professional networks and engaging with the wider corrosion community at an early stage of career development

The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion with students, allowing attendees to explore career opportunities in corrosion engineering, current industry trends, and the skills required to develop successful careers in this important field.

Dr Gao said:

“It was a great pleasure to return to the University of Manchester and meet with students who are interested in corrosion and materials engineering. Developing the next generation of corrosion professionals is a key priority for ICorr. Through student membership, professional networking, mentoring, and engagement with the wider corrosion community, we hope to provide students with the support and opportunities they need to build successful careers.”

The session received very positive feedback, with strong student engagement and interest in becoming involved with ICorr. Students were encouraged to take advantage of ICorr’s free student membership scheme, which provides access to professional networks, technical knowledge, events, and opportunities to connect with corrosion professionals across industry and academia.

The University of Manchester has a long-standing reputation for excellence in engineering, materials science, and corrosion research. Through continued collaboration with universities such as Manchester, ICorr aims to strengthen the connection between education, research, and industrial practice, ensuring that future engineers are equipped with the knowledge and professional networks needed to address corrosion challenges worldwide.

ICorr would like to thank Dr Beatriz Mingo, Professor Dirk Engelberg, and colleagues at the University of Manchester for their support in organising the event and for their continued engagement in promoting corrosion awareness and professional development among students.

Photo: Dr Yunnan Gao, President of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), with University of Manchester students following his presentation “Meet the ICorr President – How the Institute of Corrosion Can Help UoM Students Develop Their Careers” on 26 June 2026.