Foulkes Foundation

While developing and running his laboratory equipment company, Measuring and Scientific Equipment (MSE) in the post-war years, Dr Ernest Foulkes became increasingly aware of the need in medical research for more medical doctors to be trained in both science and clinical medicine, and who would be able to translate new scientific knowledge into clinical practice and direct scientific research towards medically important goals.

Many young, post-doctoral scientists who wished to embark on medical research faced financial difficulties if they decided to return to university. When Dr Foulkes sold MSE to Fisons in 1972, he endowed the Foulkes Foundation with a considerable sum of money. The aim was to make a major impact on medical development by unlocking the potential of outstanding young scientists. The Foundation annually assists 6-8 exceptionally able young scientists to train in medicine. There is a stringent vetting procedure during which Fellows are selected by a panel of scientists and doctors.

In 1982 Dr Foulkes extended the Fellowship to Israel. A significant number of Fellows from both the UK and Israel have attained senior medical or scientific posts, including professorships. This gave Dr Foulkes great satisfaction and he continued to keep in touch with many of them.