First UK centre for evolution research gets private donation
10 Jul 2015 by Evoluted New Media
The University of Bath has received £5 million to create the first UK centre for evolution research.
The funding – donated by Dr Jonathan Milner who graduated at University of Bath – will support the construction of new research facilities. It will contribute to new research projects and new appointments including academic researchers and a full time public engagement officer.
Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath, said: “The University is delighted to accept this exceptional gift from Dr Milner, which is a landmark moment in our history. The new Centre will establish Bath as a unique hub of excellence for world-class evolutionary research in the UK.”
The Milner Centre for Evolution – named after its philanthropist – will focus on research into how life evolved, research into the evolution of microbes and communication of evolution research to the public.
“No other world centre combines outreach with research and so our Centre will not simply be providing world-class evolution research, but will also engage the public in that research so that everyone can learn and benefit from this knowledge,” Dr Milner said.
Professor Laurence Hurst from the University’s Department of Biology & Biochemistry has been appointed as the Director of the new facilities. The construction is expected to start next autumn and is due to open in December 2017.
