Funding Future Discoveries

The University of Birmingham is encouraging everyone to play a part in financing future discoveries with far-reaching benefits, as it launches its £60 million fundraising campaign this week. The Circles of Influence campaign, which will be launched at a reception at the House of Lords tomorrow [Friday 30 October], will fund a range of projects from research into brain injury, cancer, healthy ageing and practical clean energy, to a targeted scholarships programme, a new concert hall and a centre for heritage and cultural learning. The projects within the four themes of the campaign - Health and Lifestyle; Society; Heritage and Culture; Creating the Leaders of Tomorrow - reflect areas in which the University is a leader and where its work can make a real impact in a changing world. £43 million has already been raised towards the target through donations from alumni, friends, companies and charitable trusts. University Vice-Chancellor Professor David Eastwood is so committed to the campaign that he is personally donating £40,000. Professor Eastwood comments: "Circles of Influence is about much more than just the University. We are aiming to push the boundaries of change at local, national and international levels, which is why we have chosen themes that affect us all.