The University of Lincoln will provide more research and development opportunities to support innovation in business by introducing its new Schools of Mathematics and Chemistry.
The £6.8million investment from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) builds on the highly successful model established through the development of the Lincoln School of Engineering. It is a sign of the confidence funders have in the University of Lincoln and will respond directly to the needs of local, regional and national employers.
Links to a wide range of companies, including Lincolnshire Co-operative, Humber Chemical Focus Ltd, Castlet, Deloitte LLP, Duncan and Toplis and Siemens, have been crucial in supporting and driving this investment.
Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University, said: “The University of Lincoln has an established reputation for developing industry relevant research which drives growth. The graduates from our schools of study are well prepared for the world of work. Our progress has been built on innovation in teaching and research. To sustain and secure our vision, and our future, we must evolve rapidly, responding to an increasingly challenging environment. The new Schools will create provision in these critical subject areas in the region and will reshape our whole Brayford Campus as we evolve into the university of the future.”
Yvonne Hawkins, HEFCE Associate Director, said: “Our investment will help develop a long-term solution to create more graduates in maths and chemistry in a part of the country where there is an identified shortage. This in turn will help to stimulate the economy and provide jobs for local people.”
Universities have a central role to play in their regional economy and the new Schools will support the development of the recently established Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, further growing this multi-million pound partnership with Lincolnshire Co-operative based around the new School of Pharmacy. Along with a successful bid from the Regional Growth Fund to support business growth in the Science Park this further investment secures the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The University of Lincoln, through a strong science course portfolio will act as the investment magnet for high-value, industrial co-location. Working with key stakeholders this will create a new high-skills employment zone in the heart of the city, boosting the economic recovery and providing companies with the graduates and research capabilities they require.
The School of Chemistry will be housed in the newly created Joseph Banks Laboratories (formerly Becor House) within the Science and Innovation Park, adjacent to the main university campus in the heart of Lincoln. The first intake of students is planned for September 2014.
The School of Mathematics will be launched in 2014 with the first intake of students in 2015.
Professor Andrew Hunter, Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Science, said: “Mathematics is the language that knits together the sciences, underpins business and commerce, and is essential to the development of the economy.
“Chemistry is a core scientific discipline, with modern advances in materials and processing promising to transform the world we live in. This development will build upon our track record in working closely with industry, in research, knowledge exchange and curriculum design, and provide great opportunities for future students and for companies in Lincolnshire.”