The Society of Light and Lighting launched the Jean Heap bursary in 2014, in tribute to the commitment to lighting research and education which Jean, a Past President of the SLL demonstrated within the Society and throughout her career in the lighting industry.
The SLL Jean Heap Research Bursary is open to anyone with an interest in light and lighting. Each year, applicants are asked to put forward their research proposal. A panel of expert judges look for a specific piece of lighting study or research designed for the benefit of SLL members and the industry as a whole. Application is open to all, and the successful applicant will be given up to £4000 funding, which is paid in 4 instalments, subject to the submission of progress reports.
The application process for 2025 has now closed. The deadline for applications was 6th May 2025.
In 2025 the bursary was awarded to Nicholas Witton for his project ‘The effects of near infrared on sleep outcomes via mitochondrial pathways: A comparative study on the impact of near infrared exposure on human performance, sleep metrics and circadian responses in workplace settings’.
You can view his proposal.
Background and previous winners can be found on the SLL website.