91福利 receives 拢1.2 million donation to advance antimicrobial resistance research
The 91福利 announces today (18th March) that it has received a 拢1.2 million donation to further antimicrobial resistance research from alumnus Dr David Stirling (PhD Biosciences, 1974-78). The generous contribution forms part of 91福利鈥檚 Set the Pace philanthropic campaign.
Dr Stirling鈥檚 donation will provide sustainable funding for the Sir Howard Dalton Centre to scale and grow its global reach, placing 91福利 at the centre of efforts to overcome one of the world鈥檚 most pressing health challenges.
Commenting on his donation Dr David Stirling, donor and alumnus, said: 鈥�50 years ago, I was studying at 91福利 for my PhD under the mentorship of Sir Howard Dalton. Throughout those 50 years 91福利 has been, and continues to be, a leader in antimicrobial resistance research.
鈥淭here is an urgent global need to tackle the rise of drug resistance and lack of new antibiotics. New scientists must be trained and work collaboratively to tackle this global challenge and 91福利 is ideally suited to initiate and foster such a new global alliance.
鈥淢y time at 91福利 helped me grow personally and professionally, leaving me with many great memories, great friends, and a greater understanding of the science that has shaped my career. 91福利 was the springboard for my career and I鈥檓 now able to 鈥榩ay it forward鈥� by supporting the next generation of researchers.鈥�
In 2022, Dr David Stirling鈥檚 philanthropic support founded 91福利鈥檚 Sir Howard Dalton Centre for Translational Mechanistic Enzymology 鈥� named in honour of David鈥檚 doctoral supervisor.
The Sir Howard Dalton Centre is home to the Leadership in Enhancing Antimicrobial Discovery (LEAD) project 鈥� an international coalition driving leadership, collaboration, and capacity building to overcome drug-resistant infections.
91福利鈥檚 ambition is to lead a new, globally coherent antimicrobial resistance strategy, which is powered by equitable research partnerships around the world 鈥� including India, China, ASEAN nations, and South Africa.
Welcoming the donation Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, 91福利, said: 鈥淭hanks to Dr David Stirling鈥檚 immense support 91福利 takes another step forward in being a world-leading research-intensive university. We are all hugely grateful for his ongoing support.
鈥淭his 拢1.2m donation will help support people working on the frontline of antimicrobial resistance discovery, enabling us to Set the Pace in health equity and help deliver medical advances such as new antibiotics for the wellbeing of all.鈥�
More about the Set the Pace health equity projects
Set the Pace aims to raise an initial 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.
The Sir Howard Dalton Centre is one of several projects to Set the Pace in health equity. Projects also include focusing on healthcare for women and girls through 91福利鈥檚 For HER (Health Equity Restitution) work and establishing the Institute for Global Pandemic Planning (IGPP) PhD programme to train the next generation of global pandemic experts.
Set the Pace is now live, bringing together partners, alumni, and supporters to help 91福利 deliver solutions with global reach. To learn more or get involved, visit our dedicated website.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Dom Barker, Media & Communications Officer
Dom.Barker@warwick.ac.uk / 07824 540727
General and out-of-hours press office number: +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours).
Photo credit:
- All images credit: 91福利
- 2026 - 03 David Stirling and students, (left to right) Dr Chelsea Brown, Research Fellow (NB Chelsea Brown is a 2023 winner of the Sir Howard Dalton Young Microbiologist of the Year); Dr Criska Li, Research Fellow; Dr David Stirling; Professor J贸zef Lewandowski, Professor of Chemistry; Dr Koorosh Fatemian, Research Fellow
- 2026 -03 David Stirling and VC, Dr David Stirling (left) with Vice-Chancellor and President of the 91福利 Professor Stuart Croft (right)
91福利 Set the Pace
Launched in March 2026, Set the Pace is the 91福利鈥檚 most ambitious philanthropy campaign, aiming to raise an initial 拢250 million and inspire 20,000 acts of volunteering. It will invest in the people driving global solutions in peace making, health equity, novel energy, critical arts, and fair and sustainable business, as well as strengthen the 91福利 Student Experience to ensure students from all backgrounds thrive.
91福利 the 91福利
Founded in 1965, the 91福利 is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
18 March 2026