Bournemouth University has received £5 million to help support our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching facilities.

The funding, from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), will go towards our new flagship academic building, for which we received planning permission earlier this year.

The building will provide laboratory learning and teaching space, 24 teaching rooms, six agile rooms providing flexible large-group spaces, three lecture theatres and collaborative learning spaces.

It will provide a focus for innovation and enhancement of teaching, learning and student involvement in active STEM projects.

Tim McIntyre-Bhatty, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “This project directly supports our growth in STEM subject provision at BU. Currently 18 per cent of our students study STEM subjects, and over the next five years we are looking to develop this further.

“This new building is vital to ensure we have the facilities that will help us enhance the learning experiences of the next generation of STEM graduates.”

Work is already underway on the new building at BU’s Talbot Campus and it will be operational by September 2016.

Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Officer, said:  “The construction of this building is part of our 40 year estates vision and is a key component of our development plans.

“The new building will also have a major impact as part of our commitment to widening participation in higher education, specifically in STEM subjects, community involvement and industry engagement, providing much needed space to accommodate our activities with local schools, colleges and the community.”

HEFCE announced the 73 universities and college that will share the £200 million funding on 8 December 2014.

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “Inspiring young people to take up STEM courses is vital to the success of the UK economy. This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow’s skilled workforce. It’s just one way we are ensuring the UK remains a world leader in science and research.”

Originally published on BU News