Scientific studentships

When Bateson drew up his plans for the new Horticultural Institution he arranged for Studentships to be offered to men or women graduates. He envisaged that these graduates would undertake specific projects for periods of up to 5 years, for a stipend of £250 per year. In this way he hoped that a distinguished group of workers would be constantly maintained at JIHI.

He wanted the Studentships to have a high and coveted position in the scientific world, like the Fellowships at Universities. In addition he created ‘Minor Studentships’ (worth £50 to £100 per year).

The Studentships, however, were not permanent posts and they weren’t advertised. Bateson remarked ‘We should not of course regard these persons as employed by us’.

Men and women also came to JIHI as ‘Volunteer Workers’, encouraged to offer their services gratis. They would still be expected to be highly competent in their field. Several future Students and Minor Students started their careers in this way.