Over the next five years, the gift will give opportunities to over 4,000 research and research enabling staff and doctoral researchers through tailored support and development programmes. The Research Academy will also support current students keen to explore a future career in research. Not only that, but it will also impact millions globally by allowing Loughborough to accelerate and amplify the progress and impact of innovative research that will shape global change.
Led by Dr Kathryn North, Director of the Loughborough University Research Academy (LURA), a dedicated team of five has been appointed to launch and implement the Research Academy. It will be housed in a state of the art, modern, high-specification and inspiring space – funded by the donation – for training and development, collaborative work, and networking.
This is the second transformative donation to the University from philanthropist and alum, Chris.
Chris graduated with a BSc in Banking and Finance in 1979 and an MPhil in Economics in 1981. He is a former Deputy Chief Executive at InfraRed Capital Partners Ltd, and prior to that was Head of Investments at HSBC Bank.
In 2021, he generously supported the development of the Student Success Academy with £2 million to set up a service to support underrepresented groups to get into higher education, supports students during their time at Loughborough – particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds – and gives students the chance to take part in skills development and employability opportunities.
Now, in addition to the Student Success Academy, the research vision held by the University and by Chris is being realised. The new Research Academy will create further impact amongst student and research communities at Loughborough.
The vision for the new Research Academy, created with Chris, will:
- Lead the development of a comprehensive research development programme aimed at transforming the experience of researchers at all career stages across Loughborough
- Foster greater creativity and collaboration, deepening, and broadening partnerships
- Advance diversity and inclusion by improving representation from underrepresented groups within the research environment.
Speaking about his gift to form the new Research Academy, Chris said:
“I am delighted to support the establishment of the Loughborough University Research Academy because I believe deeply in the power of research and innovation to create positive change.
“Loughborough’s values – excellence, collaboration, and a focus on real-world impact – strongly resonate with my own.
“The University’s commitment to nurture talented researchers and tackle challenges that truly matter gives me great confidence in its vision for the future and my support for the Research Academy aligns closely with one of the University’s key strategic aims – ‘to be more ambitious in our research and innovation endeavour’.
“I’m excited to see how this support will help drive new discoveries, inspire fresh thinking, and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives in the years ahead.”
The establishment of the Research Academy is a key priority in Loughborough’s Research and Innovation core plan.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said:
“We have a strategic ambition to intensify our research base and advance our position as a global leader in research and innovation. A strong, vibrant research and innovation culture is fundamental to sustaining and extending that leadership.
“The Research Academy will cultivate an environment that attracts and nurtures talent, enables growth and development, and recognises achievement. In doing so, it will empower everyone across our broader research ecosystem to make a positive societal difference.
“The Research Academy represents a significant step in strengthening Loughborough’s position as a bold and ambitious institution, where staff at every career stage are enabled to pursue research and innovation that makes a tangible difference to the world. We are extremely grateful to Chris for his leadership and support in bringing this vision to life.”
Acting Director of Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement, Laura Hutchinson, added:
“It is so inspiring to see the difference that alumni like Chris can make through philanthropy, and we are incredibly grateful to Chris for his transformative contribution. Gifts of all kinds from alumni and friends make a huge difference to the University and support students and projects that are in greatest need. We are grateful for all the support that we receive, and in particular would like to say a huge thank you to Chris.”
If you have questions about how you could contribute – at any level – to philanthropy at Loughborough, please explore our website or get in touch with the team.
