Nottingham Trent to expand STEM

Nottingham Trent University is to invest £10.3 million to establish further facilities devoted to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The university will receive £5 million – the maximum bid for any university – as part of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) STEM teaching capital funding. Nottingham Trent University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Yvonne Barnett, said: “The investment from HEFCE is in recognition of the growth in number over recent years of students studying our high quality and industry relevant science and technology undergraduate and postgraduate courses.” A new Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Engagement Centre will contain laboratories for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. It will also support the university’s schools, colleges and community outreach activities, while providing important facilities for industry and a platform for wider collaboration. The centre, which is being established at the university’s Clifton Campus, will involve a new build and refurbishment of existing facilities and is expected to be completed during the 2016-17 academic year. Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said: “This funding is badly needed by universities and colleges to meet the increased interest in science and engineering. It will also ensure that students benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, and are thereby equipped for the workplace of the 21st century. HEFCE is investing £200 million, shared between 73 universities and colleges, towards STEM teaching capital projects during 2015-16.