Richie Hawtin announces winner of PhD scholarship at the University of Huddersfield

Richie Hawtin has announced the winner of his PhD scholarship at the University of Huddersfield.

At the start of the year the DJ and producer - also known as Plastikman - launched a brand new scholarship programme at the university.

The scholarship titled The Richie Hawtin PhD Scholarship in Electronic Music, Cultures and Production, includes personal tutoring from Hawtin himself.

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Since receiving his honorary doctorate at the university, Richie has also visited to give masterclasses and one-to-one sessions on electronic music with students.

After looking through applications, the scholarship has been granted to 37-year-old French native Pierre Griscelli.

Griscelli has been awarded a full three-year waiver of tuition fees for the full-time PhD study starting this year.

He was selected for his research proposal titled Techno Hardware-centric, Real-time, Improvisation, Performance and Production Solution, which will explore “the true creative and technical benefits and challenges of using hardware synthesizers in the production of techno music; as well as the distinct intersection of music production and performance.”

Griscelli says: "It is an honour to have been entrusted with this research in electronic music. Beyond the gratifying acknowledgement of being selected, I recognise the substantial responsibility that comes with it. It involves striking a harmonious balance between art, technology, social dynamics and academia, guided by the mentorship of Richie Hawtin.”

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He adds: “These facets are interconnected and require careful navigation that I am proud to explore in my research titled THRiPPS: Techno Hardware-centric, Real-time, Improvisation, Performance, and Production Solution."

Speaking about the PhD Scholarship and winning applicant Hawtin says: “I’m honoured to continue my relationship with the University of Huddersfield and participate in their PhD Scholarship program.

"My hope is to offer my experience and insight into the many areas of Techno culture which I’ve been involved in over the past thirty years. To assist in a student's exploration of the past and inner workings of our industry and help them offer new critical analysis from a contemporary perspective.”

To celebrate the scholarship the university will be holding an in conversation with Richie Hawtin on October 17. You can register to attend for free here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter