The Thomas Wälde Memorial Fund was established as a result of the untimely death of Professor Thomas Wälde in October 2008.

Over a thirty year period Thomas established a substantial international reputation in the field of international economic law, especially in relation to energy and natural resources. This reputation was founded not only on his practical experience and academic writings in this field, but also on his enthusiasm in and ability to inspire, train and educate other professionals and recent graduates. Nowhere was this better exemplified than his success as Director in driving through a major expansion in size and scope at Dundee University's Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, which led to its current reputation as the premier institution in its field in the world. 

In his will, Thomas left a substantial bequest to establish in perpetuity at the Centre a scholarship for a PhD student in the field of international economic law. Thomas stipulated that this should only contribute up to 25% of the annual tuition fee (which is currently £10,800 per year for three years). In order to honour Thomas's wishes, a "Thomas Wälde Memorial Fund" will be established and will be held by the Energy, Petroleum, Mineral and Natural Resources Law and Policy Education Trust. The scholarship will be named "The Thomas Wälde PhD Scholarship in International Economic Law" and will be administered by the Centre drawing on funds in the "Thomas Wälde Memorial Fund".

By way of background, The Trust was established in 1976 in order to promote education in this field. The current Chairman of the Trust is Charles Lawton, until recently Chief Legal Adviser in Rio Tinto plc. The other Trustees are senior lawyers from law firms and resource companies.

Although Thomas's bequest is extremely generous and makes a significant contribution to the Centre, we need to increase the size of the "Thomas Wälde Memorial Fund" so that a much higher proportion, if not all, of the fees are covered by the fund, as the Trust and the Centre have only scarce resources which are already over-stretched. Therefore I am writing to ask you to make a personal contribution to this fund and, in addition, whether you would also approach any corporation, firm or institution with which you are associated to make a donation.

These donations will not only keep alive Thomas's memory, but will also continue his efforts to promote research and education around the world in the field of international economic law. We hope that you do feel able and willing to contribute to this worthwhile cause, despite the financially challenging times. 

Thomas's widow, Charlotte, has asked me to assure you that this initiative has her full support.

If you have any specific questions please do feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Philip Andrews-Speed

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