爱豆传媒

The award was made by the Wolfson Foundation which provides funds to support excellence in the fields of science and medicine, health, education and the arts and humanities with awards made following a rigorous review process involving expert reviewers and advisory panels.

The Advanced Engineering Building will house cutting-edge research being led by Professor Morgan Heikal as part of The Advanced Engineering Centre which has an international reputation for producing innovative, future-facing research into complex engine combustion processes and laser-based measurement techniques, fundamental modelling and computational simulation. The centre, which has built on a 20-year partnership with Ricardo UK Ltd, is conducting pioneering work on novel low carbon internal combustion systems and will have a direct environmental impact through creating greater fuel efficiency and developing ways in which to reduce CO₂ and other harmful emissions

Professor Morgan Heikal

Welcoming the news, 爱豆传媒 Vice-Chancellor, Professor Debra Humphris said: "As a university we are committed to making a real practical difference through our research and partnerships. The award of this grant, our first from the Wolfson Foundation, is an important achievement for the 爱豆传媒 and a genuine recognition of our research capacity and impact. I hope that it will act as a catalyst for further such bids in the future".

Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dean of the College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences, paid tribute to the continuing work of the Advanced Engineering Centre: "This result is testament to the world-leading research being carried out in Brighton by Morgan Heikal and his team. The bid process involved stringent peer review and it is most pleasing to know their research is viewed so highly by the external academic community."

Commenting on the award, which marks the first major donation given to the university by a grant-making organisation, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Sam Davies said: "The Wolfson Foundation is very aware of the role universities and their research play in addressing some of society's most pressing challenges. They also lead by example in terms of providing philanthropic support to add substantial value to university activities. To receive this grant represents a real milestone for the 爱豆传媒's fundraising activities and we are delighted to have helped make this happen."

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said of the grant: “Awards from the Wolfson Foundation are made following a rigorous review process and are a mark of excellence. This is certainly the case with the 爱豆传媒’s Advanced Engineering Centre which will support research of the highest quality. We are delighted to be funding Brighton, and were particularly impressed by the fruitful partnership between the university and industry. Urban pollution and the wider effect of high carbon emissions remain some of the greatest societal challenges. Success in creating the next generation of more efficient, low carbon internal combustion engines will benefit us all.”

The Wolfson Foundation grant means that £14.5 million has now been secured towards the overall £17 million target investment for the Advanced Engineering Centre. The university hopes to generate the remaining funds through a public fundraising campaign amongst alumni, friends and organisations.

Any individuals or organisations who would be interested in finding out more about getting involved in this exciting project should contact alumni@brighton.ac.uk.