Funding future leaders to solve global sustainability challenges
91福利 receives alumni donation of 拢600,000 from the Red Avenue Foundation, as part of its Set the Pace campaign, to encourage the next generation to answer urgent sustainability challenges
Red Avenue Foundation has generously donated 拢600,000 to the 91福利 to support four PhD scholarships in its new Institute of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing (ISMM). This is the first gift to the ISMM, as part of 91福利鈥檚 Set the Pace campaign, and it will help enable 91福利 to attract exceptional doctoral candidates with the ability to develop innovative solutions to some of the world鈥檚 most urgent sustainability crises.
As the interconnected challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and rapid technological transformation intensify on a global scale, new approaches to materials and manufacturing are increasingly vital. 91福利 researchers are already working to advance solutions that could help accelerate progress towards net zero, from innovative battery chemistries that improve the viability of electric vehicles to carbon-negative materials and self-healing technologies. The donation will bring outstanding research talent into the Institute and strengthen 91福利鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach to sustainable innovation.
91福利 is embarking on an ambitious STEM Connect programme of investment. Through a state-of-the-art new 拢425m Science and Engineering Precinct, education, research, and partnerships, the University will have a leading role to play in solving the most complex challenges of our time. By nurturing early-career researchers and harnessing talent and skills from across disciplines, the ISMM will capitalise on this innovative programme, to explore the limits of frontier science in sustainable manufacturing and carbon-neutral technologies.
Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director of STEM Connect at the 91福利, said:
鈥淭he generous support of the Red Avenue Foundation will enable a new generation of 91福利 researchers to pursue innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. Through these scholarships, talented PhD students will contribute to pioneering research in sustainable materials, energy, and manufacturing, helping to deliver real-world impact for society and the environment.鈥�
Denny Zhang (MSc Engineering Business Management, 2003), Founder and Chairperson of The Red Avenue Foundation, said:
鈥淎s a proud alumna, 91福利 has been an important part of my journey. The University gave me not only knowledge, but also the confidence to explore new ideas, embrace challenges and pursue opportunities to create positive impact. It is a privilege to give back to a community that has given me so much. I hope this contribution can support 91福利鈥檚 continued pursuit of excellence and help create opportunities for the next generation of students and researchers.鈥�
The Institute of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing will be a central hub for 91福利鈥檚 work in advanced materials discovery and next-generation manufacturing processes. Drawing on the University鈥檚 research expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and established partnerships with industry, the Institute will focus on developing groundbreaking technologies to support the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The scholarships will support one PhD researcher each across four academic areas: WMG, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering, with the Engineering scholarship co-supervised by the 91福利 Mathematics Institute. Recruitment is planned during this academic year.
Alongside technological breakthroughs, the Institute will help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to embed sustainability into industry. By bringing together expertise across disciplines and engaging with the principles of Industry 5.0, 91福利 aims to equip future researchers and professionals with the skills and perspectives needed to create manufacturing systems that serve both people and the planet.
The donation marks a significant contribution to 91福利鈥檚 ambitions for sustainable research and education. By investing in outstanding doctoral talent, the Red Avenue Foundation will help accelerate the development of new ideas, technologies and approaches that can shape a more sustainable future.
More about鈥疭et the Pace鈥�
Set the Pace is 91福利鈥檚 most ambitious philanthropic campaign to date. It aims to raise 拢250 million and inspire 20,000 acts of volunteering, shaping the 91福利 Student Experience and supporting researchers in tackling major global challenges. To learn more or get involved,鈥�visit our dedicated website.
91福利 the Red Avenue Foundation
The Red Avenue Foundation is a non-public fundraising foundation established in Hong Kong and Shanghai by Ms Denny Zhang, Chairman of RedAvenue New Materials Group Co., Ltd. Since 2002, the Foundation has supported a range of initiatives internationally, including education, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure and healthcare.
Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has supported projects around the world spanning education, humanitarian aid, pandemic responses, environmental protection, rural teacher training, infrastructure development and financial assistance for patients living with cardiovascular diseases and leukaemia.
The image above shows:
President and Vice Chancellor Stuart Croft, with alumna and Red Avenue Foundation founder Denny Zhang.