Keele University invests £45m in STEM facilities
Keele University is investing £45m in the creation of new state-of-the-art science facilities on its campus, including new laboratories and teaching spaces, as part of the biggest single investment in learning and teaching in the University’s history.
The first phase of the investment includes an £11m complete redevelopment and major extension of the University’s Huxley Building, home to the School of Life Sciences, which will open later this year. The larger and fully refurbished building will provide two state-of-the-art teaching laboratories plus additional research laboratories for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and will significantly increase capacity.
Planning permission for the £34m second phase was recently approved by Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council, and includes the creation of a brand new Central Science Laboratories building on the campus, with work due to start in 2017 and be completed by summer 2019.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences at Keele spans a broad spectrum of subject areas, and includes the Schools of Life Sciences, Computing & Mathematics, Chemical & Physical Sciences, Geography, Geology and the Environment, and Psychology. The Faculty integrates world-class research with the very best teaching and the latest innovations, which will be further boosted by this major investment, building scientific skills and facilitating research into the issues relevant to our sustainable development, health and well-being, and quality of life. The new facilities will also be used by academics and students in Keele's School of Pharmacy.
Speaking about the investment, Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said:
“This major investment demonstrates Keele’s commitment to innovation in both teaching and research across the sciences, and is the cornerstone of the University’s growth plans. In line with increasing student demand, the new facilities will be transformative, developing our campus in order to meet long-term educational needs and grow the research capability of the University.”
Professor Jonathan Wastling, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Postgraduate Studies) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, commented:
“Keele is already No. 1 in the UK for student satisfaction, but these new facilities will provide even better spaces and equipment for our undergraduates and postgraduates, giving them access to some of the best laboratories and science teaching spaces in this country and beyond, and allowing the University to further develop its word-class research activities.”
To find out more about this exciting investment, visit the Project Pages