ACRS launches Philip Sanders Memorial Scholarship to support the next generation of steel industry leaders

The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS) is proud to announce the Philip Sanders Memorial Scholarship, an initiative supporting education, technical excellence and the development of future leadership within the Australian and New Zealand steel industries.

The scholarship has been established in honour of former ACRS Executive Director Philip Sanders and recognises his contribution to ACRS and the principles of independence, integrity and continuous improvement that underpin the ACRS organisation. 

Continuing a legacy of technical excellence

ACRS established the scholarship as an investment in the future technical capability of the steel industry and to strengthen metallurgical education in Australia and New Zealand. Supporting education is an ACRS strategic goal, with the scholarship intended to help develop technical expertise while exposing emerging professionals to the importance of quality principles within the steel sector. 

The scholarship is designed not simply to recognise academic achievement, but to encourage a new generation of professionals who understand the importance of quality systems, product conformity assessment, industry best practice and professional integrity.

Scholarship details

For its inaugural 2026 award, the Philip Sanders Memorial Scholarship is valued at AUD $15,000. It is intended to be awarded annually, subject to the availability of suitable candidates. The value of subsequent scholarships will be determined annually by the ACRS Board. 

Eligible applicants must:

• be enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a metallurgy-related degree programme;
• have successfully completed at least two years of tertiary study;
• be enrolled at, or have graduated from, an Australian or New Zealand tertiary institution;be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; and
• demonstrate a commitment to the steel industry or associated fields. 

Selecting future industry leaders

Recipients will be selected on merit, with assessment designed to look beyond academic results alone. Candidates will be considered across four areas:

1. Academic Achievement: strong achievement in the relevant degree, with a focus on steelmaking. 
2. Industry Engagement: demonstrated contribution to, and understanding of, quality systems and the steel manufacturing industry.
3. Leadership and Teamwork: demonstrated contribution to team outcomes and support of others, supported by practical examples. 
4. Character and Personal Development: evidence of resilience, perseverance and commitment to continued development, particularly in relation to quality in systems and products.

Connecting education with industry

An important aspect of the scholarship is connecting academic development with the practical application of quality and conformity assessment within the steel industry.

Scholarship recipients may be offered opportunities to observe ACRS certification, audit or technical activities, subject to appropriate confidentiality requirements. Recipients may also be invited to share their experiences and learnings through a presentation following the scholarship.

Through the Philip Sanders Memorial Scholarship, ACRS aims to help develop the technical knowledge, leadership and commitment to quality that will be required by the next generation of steel industry professionals, while creating an enduring legacy in Philip Sanders’ name