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Jan. 27, 2026
University of Westminster receives £4.2m donation for STEM studies
The University of Westminster has been given a £4.2 million donation from an alumnus to expand its STEM education and research.
Adar C Poonawalla is the CEO of the Serum Institute of India and a former University of Westminster student, graduating from Westminster’s Business Studies bachelors course in 2002. He has donated this landmark amount to his alma mater to create a new Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme, to encourage encourage students from all backgrounds with their studies in STEM.
The Serum Institute Pathways to Excellence Programme will provide multi-year funding to support scholarships, studentships and fellowships within the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It will support students from undergraduate study through to doctoral research and advanced fellowships. This investment will be used to encourage diverse future leaders to gain the skills and knowledge to tackle major global challenges including disease prevention, sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation.
Speaking about his generous contribution, Mr Poonawalla explains, “The University of Westminster played a formative role in my personal and professional journey, and it is a privilege to give back in a way that creates meaningful, long-term impact. Through the Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme, we aim to widen access to STEM education, nurture diverse talent and empower the next generation of scientists and innovators who will address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.”
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, Professor Peter Bonfield, says, “Mr Poonawalla’s profound generosity marks a defining moment for the University of Westminster, underscoring the vital importance of global collaboration in driving scientific progress. This investment is an essential endorsement of our commitment to widening access and accelerating impactful research in STEM and Life Sciences. By supporting exceptional talent across all levels, we are ensuring our graduates are equipped to be the future leaders who will deliver effective, sustainable solutions to global health disparities.”
Head of College and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kaushika Patel, adds, “We are honoured to be working with Mr Poonawalla and the Serum Institute of India to enable students at all levels to come to the University of Westminster to advance their learning in STEM education and research. It creates opportunities to engage in the advancement of science for those who may not have been able to attend university or progress into higher levels of learning and research.”
Applications are expected to open on the University of Westminster’s Scholarship webpage in early February.
Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Westminster.
Photo credit: Serum Institute of India
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Content added on 27th January 2026.
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