Content University Secures £70 Million for Underprivileged Students’ Education Support
The University of Surrey has successfully raised more than £70.3 million to support both research initiatives and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This fundraising campaign, titled “The Future Says Surrey,” was launched in February 2022 by the university’s chancellor, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.
A quarter of these funds has been allocated to providing financial aid for over 40 scholarships and offering support to nearly 300 students facing personal hardships. Jessie Billing, the University’s director of advancement, highlighted that education remains a significant barrier for many individuals due to its increasing costs. “In my time, education was free,” she stated on BBC Radio Surrey. “But now it is quite an expensive endeavor.” She emphasized their commitment in ensuring students have what they need for transformative university experiences.
Some of the funding came from alumni who wish to contribute towards making university education more accessible to others. Ms Billing explained, “They want to help those who aspire to access higher education.”
The funds are also supporting various research projects. One such project involves investigating “the arrow of time” and its implications in biology quantum—essentially unlocking the mysteries surrounding the origins of life. This research is led by Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who noted that “University research can transform our world for the better; however, groundbreaking research requires committed, stable funding.” He expressed gratitude to The Future Says Surrey campaign, which has enabled his team’s research efforts leading to real-world improvements in communities across the UK and internationally.
Additionally supported is a project aimed at developing artificial intelligence sign language translation models. This initiative aims to improve navigation for the deaf community online. Furthermore, the university plans to invest in Space4Nature—an ambitious project utilizing satellite technology and AI to create detailed landscape profiles of Surrey Hills landscapes. This effort supports conservationists as they work towards addressing biodiversity loss.
For further information or inquiries, one can contact WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. For more stories and updates related to the University of Surrey’s endeavors, visit their official news section.
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