Education, opportunities and relationships: making the world a better place

Edward and the scholars were joined by fellow Durham alumna and Atom’s Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager, Emma Betley (Mathematics, Grey College, 2015-2018), mentor Emily Bolt and Professor Matthew Johnson from our Department of Computer Science and colleagues from our alumni relations team.  

An enduring connection 

Edward (Geography, Collingwood College, 1988–1997) maintains a strong relationship with Durham. In addition to supporting the AMI Scholarship Programme through Atom Bank, he serves on the advisory board of Durham’s Venture Lab, helping to nurture student enterprise and entrepreneurship, and is also a Professor in Practice in our Faculty of Science. 

Now Director of Environment, Society and Government at Atom Bank, Edward plays a key role in shaping the bank’s social impact strategy. Founded in Durham, Atom was the UK’s first digital-only bank to be granted a UK regulatory licence in 2014. The bank is driven by a belief that the economy should serve society, and that investing in education and upskilling the future workforce is central to that mission. 

Atom aims to redefine the future of banking, placing people and culture at the heart of its success. A healthy work–life balance, continuous professional development, and supportive coaching frameworks and communities of practice are fundamental to creating a dynamic, innovative workplace. 

Building foundations for professional integrity 

Edward believes Durham students are exceptionally well placed to graduate with the skills and attributes needed for professional success. He notes that Durham graduates stand out not only for their academic excellence, but for their breadth of experience. Whether through sport, theatre, music, student enterprise or politics, students are encouraged to engage fully in university life. The collegiate system fosters a strong sense of belonging and confidence, empowering students to seize opportunities and ‘have a go’. 

AMI Women in Tech Scholarships 

The alumni-funded AMI Scholarships were established in 2017 and expanded in 2023 thanks to the generosity of Atom Bank. They are designed to support and encourage more talented young women to study Computer Science at Durham, while celebrating the importance and impact of diversity within the field. 

Edward Twiddy and Atom Bank are supporting the scholarships to help address the under-representation of women across STEM subjects, particularly in Computer Science. The first two scholars, Andrea Johnson and Lily Allswell, began their studies in 2024, followed by Asli Ozgur and Prema Poudyal, who matriculated in 2025. 

Atom’s support extends well beyond financial backing. Scholars benefit from mentoring, workplace internships, and access to the bank’s Women in Business Network. Together, these opportunities help students build on the skills gained through Durham’s rich wider student experience, supporting a confident transition from university to the workplace. 

Read more:   

• About Careers, Employability and Enterprise at Durham  

• About getting involved with our alumni community  

• About AMI Women in Tech Scholarships   

• About our Department of Computer Science 

Image (from left): Emily Bolt, Andrea Johnson, Prema Poudyal, Asli Ozgur, Lily Allswell and Edward Twiddy

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