The University of Westminster is celebrating a landmark £4.2 million donation from esteemed alumnus and CEO of the Serum Institute of India’s Adar C. Poonawalla.
This visionary initiative will provide transformative opportunities for Westminster students and academics and will dramatically expand accessibility, diversity and excellence in STEM education and research. The new Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme will open doors for students from all backgrounds while empowering the next generation of scientific leaders who will shape the future of global health. Applications are expected to open early February on the University’s Scholarship webpage.
The Serum Institute Pathways to Excellence Programme will provide multi-year funding to support scholarships, studentships and fellowships within the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. By supporting learners from undergraduate study through to doctoral research and advanced fellowships, the initiative creates an exciting, inclusive pipeline of scientific talent. This investment in talent and innovation reflects Poonawalla’s commitment to expanding access to STEM fields, championing scientific innovation and accelerating progress toward a healthier, more equitable world.
Through this ambitious investment, the University of Westminster aims to identify and nurture diverse future leaders from across the globe who will go on to tackle major global challenges, from disease prevention, sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation. The impact of the programme is expected to be felt far beyond the classroom, supporting students who might otherwise face barriers to entering STEM and enabling them to become change-makers in their communities and the wider world.
Adar C. Poonawalla graduated from Westminster’s Business Studies BA Honours course in 2002. After joining the Serum Institute of India, founded by his father, Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla, he became CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the company’s market reach expanded from 30 to over 170 countries, tripling its turnover and production capacity to 4 billion vaccine doses annually over the last 14 years.
As CEO, Poonawalla has spearheaded the development of new vaccines, including those for Pneumonia, Rotavirus and HPV (cervical cancer), and he has collaborated with the University of Oxford on a Malaria vaccine.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Poonawalla is deeply engaged in philanthropy through The Villoo Poonawalla Charitable Foundation, established in memory of his late mother. The foundation has built schools and hospitals and operates a large-scale waste management and clean water initiative in Pune, India. Poonawalla has also founded several innovative ventures, including Poonawalla Fincorp, which provides loans to small businesses and individuals, and h2e Power Systems, a clean energy company developing hydrogen-based fuel cells.
Talking about his contribution, Mr Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO of The Serum Institute of India, said: “The University of Westminster played a formative role in my personal and professional journey, and it is a privilege to give back in a way that creates meaningful, long-term impact. Through the Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme, we aim to widen access to STEM education, nurture diverse talent and empower the next generation of scientists and innovators who will address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.”
Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, said: “Mr Poonawalla’s profound generosity marks a defining moment for the University of Westminster, underscoring the vital importance of global collaboration in driving scientific progress. This investment is an essential endorsement of our commitment to widening access and accelerating impactful research in STEM and Life Sciences. By supporting exceptional talent across all levels, we are ensuring our graduates are equipped to be the future leaders who will deliver effective, sustainable solutions to global health disparities.”
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, said: “I am profoundly grateful for this visionary support from Mr Poonawalla and The Serum Institute, which represents the most significant contribution from an alumnus in recent years. This extraordinary gift establishes a powerful and inclusive pipeline of scientific talent, providing transformative opportunities from undergraduate study through to advanced fellowships, and lays the foundation for a legacy and long-term partnership with The Serum Institute. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Poonawalla and his team for their commitment to our academic community. I look forward to delivering this ambitious programme and to witnessing the life-changing impact it will have on the individuals who earn a place within it. Thank you.”
Kaushika Patel, Head of College and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, added: “We are honoured to be working with Mr Poonawalla and the Serum Institute of India to enable students at all levels to come to the University of Westminster to advance their learning in STEM education and research. It creates opportunities to engage in the advancement of Science for those who may not have been able to attend University or progress into higher levels of learning and research.”
The Adar Poonawalla Pathways to Excellence Programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To find out more about how to support students at the University of Westminster, contact the University’s Development Team or visit the Donation website.
Learn about the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster.
