A charity set up to create opportunities in the world of science has launched a series of scholarships.

The Bermuda Principles Foundation will offer five scholarships named in honour of the late Eugene Cox, a former Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier.

Carika Weldon, the BPF founder and executive director, said: “Through this initiative, we will be paying homage to the outstanding work and contributions made by Bermuda’s pioneers — the men and women of our science, technology, engineering and maths industry.

“After all, I stand before you today because of them.”

Paula Cox, a former Premier and Mr Cox’s daughter, said: “This is a passing of the torch in one sense as the Cox charity has wound down, yet there is the chance to do some good with the monies that have been raised through the kindness of the community.

“It can make a difference and may be able to provide a much-needed boost to enable successful applicants to pursue their dreams and their Stem studies.

“The aim through the collaboration with the Bermuda Principles Foundation is to directly benefit those who have a need and are aspiring to be in the Stem space.”

Dr Weldon said five C. Eugene Cox Education Awards will be given for the 2020-21 academic year.

Awards range in value from $10,000 to $25,000 and will be available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Dr Weldon said the BPF has more plans to promote science awareness and education.

She said: “We strive to educate the Bermudian public about the importance of science, how it impacts our daily lives and the varied opportunities available. One such partnership is with local business, Planet Math, our Stem Partner who joined us for the first time during our school tours this year.

“We are very excited about the various initiatives coming on board which is expanding our ability to reach Bermuda’s next generation of Stem leaders — we have been approached regarding other prospective award honourees and we will be rolling these out in the near future.”

Ms Cox added: “Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, mathematics and technology.

“The best way to get students involved in science who want to either follow science careers or incorporate it into their lives or to achieve science literacy is to expose them to the various jobs in Stem.”

Mr Cox, who died in 2004 aged 75, was the first Progressive Labour Party finance minister after its historic debut election victory in 1998 and served in the job until his death.

He was succeeded in the role by Ms Cox, who retained the portfolio when she served as premier from 2010 to 2012.

Those interested in applying for the C Eugene Cox scholarships can do so online at bermudascholarships.com until the deadline of April 20.