A Bermudian environmental scientist and author has been awarded a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship.

PhD researcher David Chapman was one of just 500 people out of 16,000 applicants to receive an award for 2009.

Mr. Chapman is currently conducting research on the role that renewable energy may play in providing greater energy security for small island states.

He is based at Royal Holloway University of London in the Department of Geography and hopes that his research may provide greater insight into the role that energy plays in the lives of small island communities and how renewable energy initiatives my provide alternatives to non-renewable sources.

Mr. Chapman, a former Berkeley Institute teacher who was also a member of the Sustainable Development task force, is well known in Bermuda as the author of the acclaimed "Daddy and I Explore ..." series of books, which help children understand Bermuda's unique environment.

Applicants to the CSC have to pass a nomination process via their local country before undergoing a rigorous application process.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC) is responsible for managing Britain's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), established in 1959.

The Plan has enabled over 24,000 Commonwealth citizens to study in other Commonwealth countries.