Generous donation will support students and drive innovation in Engineering

A generous donation to the University of Salford will provide a vital lifeline for young people from underprivileged backgrounds who want to pursue pathways in engineering. The partnership will also build on Salford’s long-standing expertise in engineering and bolster further innovation and research through the creation of a new and fully funded Professorial Chair.

Through this gift, the University will establish the Robert & Ann Oxley Scholarships in Engineering, supporting thirty-two students over the next five years. The scholarships are aimed at students who are first in family to go to university or who come from communities that are underrepresented in engineering. They are available for a range of engineering courses and are worth £15,000 over three years of study. At Salford 49% of our students are first-in-family to attend university.

Underprivileged students can face significant barriers to access and progression in engineering disciplines due to factors such as limited access to crucial qualifications (like A-Level Maths), and fewer networking opportunities. The intention with the scholarships is to create a more inclusive talent pipeline for engineering through relieving the financial pressure of a university degree.

We are also delighted to announce the establishment of the Robert & Ann Oxley Professorial Chair in Engineering, a new senior academic position with a specific focus on driving innovation in the field.

Positioned within the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), the Professorial Chair will play a pivotal role in continuing our excellence in engineering research with a particular focus on electronic engineering, as well as delivering high-quality industry-informed teaching and work integrated learning opportunities for students.

The newly appointed Professor will lead a world-class research programme in electronic engineering in areas such as robotics, autonomous systems, sensing technologies, and intelligent control systems.

Further funding will also be directed to our local learning centre, Into University Salford, with a mission to extend support to a much younger age and build a long-term diverse and inclusive talent pipeline in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths).

The donation has been made in memory of Robert and Ann Oxley. Robert Oxley was the founder of the Oxley Group, a world leader in electrical component and electronics manufacturing.  A strong advocate for research and innovation, he had over 150 patents to his name. Following his passing, his wife, Ann Oxley, continued to lead the Group with distinction. She received an Honorary Master of Science degree from the University in 1999 in recognition of her contribution to industry, the community and the University.

We will shortly commence recruitment for the Robert & Ann Oxley Professorial Chair in Engineering. As the Oxley mission was to push the boundaries of thought and develop unique solutions, the Professorial Chair will embody the spirit of creativity and innovation that is key to the Oxley legacy.

Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, University of Salford, said: “Engineering is deeply rooted into the fabric of the University of Salford since our establishment as a Royal Technical Institute in 1896.

“For almost 130 years we have collaborated closely with industry to deliver outstanding teaching and learning opportunities and equip talent with the skills required for an ever-developing world. Technology and engineering have always been areas of excellence for Salford and we were proud to award Ann Oxley an Honorary Master of Science degree in recognition of her contribution to industry and the University.

“It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we now see the Oxley legacy continue at Salford through the establishment of the Robert and Ann Oxley Scholarships, the Professorial Chair in Engineering and support for Into University. This significant gift embodies the essence of Salford as we innovate to enrich lives, through championing social mobility, improving opportunities for students, and pushing the boundaries on research, development and creativity.”