The Future Says Thank You

The Future Says Surrey

What does the future mean to you? For us at Surrey, it means a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable world. That is where The Future Says Surrey, the first philanthropic campaign in our history, started.

Over the past three years, it has been our mission to raise £60 million to invest in breakthrough research and create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to succeed at Surrey.

Thanks to the amazing support of our alumni and friends, we have raised £70.3 million. This level of support has enabled us to invest in our students through scholarships and hardship funding to support students in need, irrespective of their backgrounds. We have also invested over £30 million to support groundbreaking research in sustainability, artificial intelligence, animal and human health and much more.

The projects featured below are just a snapshot of the campaign’s success and the power of our collective and collaborative work. Donations and funds pledged come from alumni, friends, trusts and foundations, alongside gifts of time and expertise through volunteering. One thing that all these projects have in common is an aim to make a difference in transforming lives and creating a brighter future for all.

The Future Asked For: Greater Biodiversity

Space4Nature

“We are now more aware than ever that our nature is in dramatic decline” says Professor Richard Murphy, Emeritus Professor at the University of Surrey.

We need to act quickly to find methods to track biodiversity, and in turn, restore and connect natural spaces – from lowland heathland to wetlands.

Space4Nature combines satellite-based earth observation technology with artificial intelligence to capture and analyse high-definition imagery of habitats across Surrey and identify similar habitats elsewhere. Alongside this technology, further data is being collected by 1,500 volunteers who observe and report on Surrey’s wildlife on the ground. The results of this research will be transformative for tackling biodiversity loss.

Space4Nature has delivered a revolutionary and collaborative method to monitor habitats and in turn, protect nature and biodiversity. In collaboration with Buglife, over 50 hectares of pollinator habitat have been restored or created in Surrey and nearly 370 volunteers have been trained by the Space4Nature partners. The Surrey Wildlife Trust's ‘Wilder Schools’ programme has engaged with schools across the county, teaching students how to complete wildlife surveys and improve habitats on school grounds. We’re on track to make Surrey a leader for tackling biodiversity loss.

But this project has the scope to go far beyond Surrey. We’ve already secured additional funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation to extend this research to other habitats, with the aim of further developing this methodology to preserve and enhance biodiversity across the globe. We’re also delighted that Dr Ana Andries, Lecturer in Remote Sensing and Geographic information systems (GIS), has engaged with an important global audience by presenting the project at major international conferences such as COP.

The Future Says: Use Artificial Intelligence For Good

Signapse

In the UK alone, roughly 1,000 children are born a year with severe to profound deafness. For these children, written English is often their second or third language, as learning a language you cannot hear is exceptionally challenging. Crucial information, whether found online or in person, is therefore mostly inaccessible to them.

“The lack of digital accessibility and sign language translators and interpreters makes it difficult for deaf people to navigate everyday information and activities, including education, healthcare, employment, and transportation.” says Richard Bowden, Professor of Computer Vision and Machine Learning. To create an inclusive society where the deaf community have equal opportunities and access, we need to create a fast and efficient way to use sign language more widely.

Professor Richard Bowden founded the start-up company “Signapse” with Dr Ben Saunders who studied for his PhD at the University. Together, the team used generative artificial intelligence to instantly translate text into sign language videos. This groundbreaking software gives an easy and affordable method to make content more inclusive and accessible for the deaf community.

Signapse has begun reducing inequality and enabling greater access for the deaf community both virtually and in the real world. Thanks to the grant from Google.org's AI for the Global Goals Impact Challenge, UK and USA not for profit organisations can now translate up to 10 of their webpages into British or American Sign Language. Offering this service free of charge is a huge step in demonstrating the importance of greater accessibility, enabling the deaf community to fully engage with online content.

Signapse has also developed an app, referred to as an “interpreter in your pocket” to deliver sign language translation in partnership with South Western Railway and National Rail, as well as adding translations to railway signs and announcements. Over 2,500 train stations across the UK now have dynamic British Sign Language translations. This has revolutionised the experience of public transport for deaf people, who are often excluded from audio announcements of rail disruptions or platform changes. Actress Sophie Woolley explains “Often I feel like I’m the only deaf person in a space, and I miss crucial information. This new technology feels like being upgraded to first class — I finally feel welcome in public spaces”.

The use of Signapse’s software to translate webpages and rail announcements are exciting first steps in developing a more inclusive and accessible future.

The Future Says: Aim High

Scholarships at Surrey

Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their potential. Unfortunately, many young people face additional barriers to reaching university.

Surrey has a proud history of providing support to young people so they can thrive at university regardless of personal or financial circumstances. During our campaign, we funded over 40 different scholarships, ranging from financial support to help with essential bills like accommodation, to funding for placement years to gain invaluable experience. Opportunities were available for students from a variety of backgrounds and subjects, including students joining the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) to study a range of degrees including Musical Theatre and Theatre Production.

Rahim, Civil Engineering, recipient of a Michael Schenker Scholarship.

"The scholarship has been instrumental in advancing my academic and professional journey in civil engineering. It has provided me with the financial support needed to invest in my studies, allowing me to focus more on my coursework and explore my field in greater depth. Beyond the financial benefits, it has also served as a source of motivation, encouraging me to strive for excellence and fully immerse myself in my education"

Indrajit, BSc Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister), recipient of an AIR Diversity Scholarship

"I’ve found an instant source of joy knowing I’ve been awarded this scholarship. Thinking about how my ethnic background influenced my interest in my course was a challenging and introspective process, but it revealed to me that I’ve had a rather unique journey into sound engineering, with one of the main causes being my ethnic background. The scholarship will help me to secure valuable opportunities in the music industry, enhancing my prospects in the recording-based career I choose to pursue."

Margaret, Musical Theatre, Recipient of an Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship.

"I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Andrew Lloyd Webber Scholarship for my training at the Guildford School of Acting. It has not only helped me financially but has given me the opportunity to fulfil my passion with the confidence and support I've been kindly blessed with. I feel honoured and motivated to keep working hard, especially knowing people around me, believe in me. It is an absolute privilege to have so much support around me and I am truly ecstatic for what's ahead in my career."

Karyn, Paramedic Science, Recipient of a Paramedic Scholarship

"The scholarship that has so kindly been donated to me, has made an enormous difference in my journey at University. Being a single parent has been tough financially over the years and after working in teaching and first aid training for over 10 years, in a position where I could support my young daughter, I made the decision in September 2022 when my daughter was 13, to go for my dream and train to be paramedic. After completing the Access to Higher Education course in 8 months whilst working, I achieved all distinctions and gained my place at the University of Surrey.

I can't explain the joy and excitement I felt being offered a place at one of the best Universities in the country, specifically for Paramedic Science, but I wanted the best education and I was determined to work hard to achieve it. It was more than I could ever had imagined that I was finally being able to do something I had dreamt about for over 15 years at a place with an incredible reputation for education. On gaining my place at Surrey, I applied for any scholarships/bursaries I could, in order to help support my daughter and myself. As we live on the south coast, which is 50 miles away, I knew I needed to create a tight budget and gain as much financial support in order to support us both and afford the fuel costs of University and placement.

I was therefore, absolutely overjoyed and completely overwhelmed to receive the notification that I had been so kindly donated this scholarship, to help support my education. I actually cried as I knew that this would help to make the struggle so much easier, and I could focus on my daughter and our studies, as she is now 14 and studying for her GCSE's, without the stress and anxiety of financial hardship, and truly be able to support us both fully. I feel incredibly lucky to have been provided with this opportunity which will enable my daughter and myself to thrive during this time in our lives. I thank you from the bottom of my heart as this has made such an impact on our lives and that's exactly what I intend to do once I am a qualified paramedic, to make a difference in as many lives as I can."

Lilli, Actor Musician, recipient of a Shining Star scholarship

"With the support of this scholarship, I have been given the chance to study my passion and further myself in my career ambitions that would've been impossible if it weren't for the scholarship. The University has been a continually supportive and nurturing environment to do this, whilst pushing me to build in all areas of my skills and build upon my existing talents."

Elle, BA Actor Musician, Recipient of a Shining Star Scholarship

"Having the scholarship has been indescribably helpful when it comes to funding my course. Performance was something I’d not considered due to the lack of funding for scholarships vs traditional academic degrees. This money has allowed me to study something I love and have an experience I never would have had otherwise."

Reuben, Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister), recipient of an AIR Diversity Scholarship.

"A scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus on my studies and pursue my goals without financial stress. It has allowed me to fully engage in my education, as well as provide access to music lessons and software I could not have afforded otherwise. It has made a huge difference."

Cameron, Musical Theatre, recipient of a Sean McGrath Scholarship

"I was very humbled to receive the McGrath scholarship for my 2024/25 school year and have been tremendously grateful for the support it has provided me whilst studying. It has alleviated pressures I faced in my First Year, allowing me to focus solely on my training and development inside of GSA, making progress at a faster rate than before."

Elham, Chemical Engineering, Recipient of a Fluor Diversity Scholarship

"I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship as it has eased financial pressure, allowing me to fully engage in my studies and explore opportunities that will shape my future, both academically and personally."

Anjali, Civil Engineering, Recipient of a Michael Schenker Scholarship

"I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship, which has provided financial relief and invaluable encouragement in my Civil Engineering journey. It has strengthened my confidence and determination to create meaningful infrastructure and community changes. This support has allowed me to focus on my studies and future aspirations without financial burden, and I deeply appreciate the donor’s generosity, which has impacted my education and career path."

Jake, Actor Musician, recipient of a Sean McGrath Scholarship

"Having a scholarship at GSA has made such a massive difference to my training — I’m able to focus so much more with a little of the financial stress of being a non-English student in England being alleviated. It's made my experience at GSA feel so much more secure."

The Future Says: Support Students When They Need It

Supporting students in hardship - The Forever Surrey Fund

The last few years have presented our students with huge challenges. The pandemic and the cost of living crisis have left over three quarters of students “concerned” that rising costs may leave them unable to complete their degree. This has led to many students being unable to focus on their studies, as they take on several part time jobs to make ends meet, while others face leaving university altogether.

“Our role in Student Services requires us to support, nurture and guide students. In the current socio- economic climate, paying for your studies and your everyday living is harder than it has ever been. At Surrey, we acknowledge this and want to try and support as many students as possible, so that they can thrive and complete their studies. The Forever Surrey Fund plays a pivotal role in ensuring this happens.”

The funds raised by our alumni community have enabled us to give additional financial support to more than 450 students during The Future Says Surrey campaign. For these students, receiving financial support is a turning point, a chance to succeed at Surrey and beyond. “My life and career has been impacted positively and forever changed” says George, BSc Accounting and Finance.

For many, receiving financial aid starts a positive chain reaction. Steve Waygood (BSc Economics, 1995, Doctorate in Sustainable Finance, 2004) received funding as a student at Surrey. He is now the Chief Sustainable Finance Advisor at Aviva Investors and donates to The Forever Surrey Fund to reciprocate the support he received.

“I believe there’s a sense of karma to the way the world works, and it’s important to try and express gratitude and repay generosity later in life. Whether someone helped you with advice or financial support, if you later come into a position where you can help others, you can pay it forward. The Forever Surrey Fund made a massive difference to my life then and I hope I can make a small difference to other students now.”

The Future Says: Explore the Big Questions

Arrow of Time research

Many of life’s mysteries are connected to the idea of “the arrow of time” – that time moves forward from past to future. We’re born, grow old and then die and time never runs backwards for us. By exploring the nature of time, we begin “to move closer to an answer for how and why life is so special”, says Emeritus Professor Jim Al-Khalili. Investigating the arrow of time and its reversibility, is an opportunity for cutting edge discoveries in quantum biology as well as addressing some foundational questions about the nature of physical reality itself and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili and Dr Andrea Rocco joined forces with researchers from various disciplines including Quantum Physics, Applied Mathematics, computational chemistry, experimental molecular biology and philosophy.

This interdisciplinary team delivered several talks at international conferences on their findings as well as publishing a number of key research papers, all alongside exciting public engagement activities. Through demonstrations and talks, the team aimed to make the field of quantum biology more accessible to the general public and “inspire people of all ages” says Jim Al-Khalili. Jim also wrote and narrated four educational videos to give an introduction to topics like quantum biology, cosmology and the scientific method. These videos are designed for sharing in schools to capture the imagination of future scientists.

The Arrow of Time project has made huge leaps in bringing Quantum Biology to the general public, rather than just the confines of lecture halls. At the Cheltenham Science Festival, 700 people attended a debate on the origin of time. 400 people also joined Professor Jim Al-Khalili for a discussion with Nobel prize winner, Kip Thorne, “From Wormholes and Gravitational Waves to Hollywood Movies”. The conversation was recorded for BBC Radio 4’s “The Life Scientific” and has since been listened to by over 2 million people. Overall, this project has been an exciting opportunity for researchers at Surrey to discover explore challenging and cutting-edge ideas of time and space, while laying the groundwork for the next generation of scientists and thinkers.

The Future Says: Train Doctors of the Future

Training doctors of the future

The UK is facing a health crisis. With a critical and growing shortage of doctors, the very foundation of our healthcare system is under threat.

The Government’s Long Term NHS Workforce Plan has sounded the alarm, warning of devastating consequences for patient care — especially as our ageing population continues to rise. Without immediate investment in training the next generation of medical professionals, the NHS will struggle to meet the needs of millions.

At Surrey we have a proud history of training the nurses and paramedics of the future, contributing to healthcare in Surrey and beyond. The launch of our School of Medicine in 2024 is a new chapter in this story.

To train the best future-ready doctors, it is important to recognise the barriers to education that leave talented young people unable to fulfil their potential. Across the UK, many applicants from underrepresented groups and low socio-economic backgrounds struggle to access the opportunity to train in medicine.

Professor Juliet Wright, Founding Dean of Medicine at Surrey, explains, “the opportunity for the School of Medicine at the University of Surrey to offer full scholarships to our course, quite simply makes the impossible, possible and allows our scholarship students to train and qualify in medicine and progress to a career that was otherwise just a dream.”

Thanks to the generous donation of Surrey alumna Sam Dawson (BSc Biochemistry 1978) and her husband John, we have established a scholarship in their name, supporting future doctors for years to come.

Our first medical students are beginning their journey at Surrey, and receiving the Sam and John Dawson scholarship is already making a difference.

“Not feeling accepted, represented or a sense of belonging in higher education is a familiar experience for me and I know is one that prevents young people like me from accessing and excelling at university and from pursuing medicine. Your absolute belief in us is invaluable. To have people believe in me is the most powerful motivator to do good” Ellie-Mae, BMBS Medicine. Sam and John Dawson scholarship recipient.

The Future Asked For: Longer, Healthier Lives

Vaccinology at Surrey

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, research into vaccinology is more important than ever. Infectious disease is estimated to cause a third of deaths worldwide, and our ageing population is susceptible to diseases and less responsive to vaccines.

Similarly, infectious disease poses a huge threat to animal welfare, with over 20% of animal loss in food production being linked to diseases, and over 60% of human pathogens beginning in animals. An interdisciplinary approach to research is vital to investigate the connection between animal and human health.

Surrey appointed Professor Christine Rollier as the Chair of Vaccinology – an exciting and vital new addition to the School of Biosciences. Christine’s wealth of knowledge, combined with Surrey’s expertise in healthy ageing, enabled a multidisciplinary approach to complicated issues in vaccinology. Alongside Christine’s work, support through The Future Says Surrey has funded four PhD studentship positions, creating opportunities for emerging scientists in the field. Research into vaccine response in the elderly, and a vaccine for humans and animals against E.coli infections has already begun.

Thanks to funding raised during campaign, Surrey has invested in the future of vaccinology. Research completed by Professor Rollier and her students has the potential to impact future vaccine development and delivery globally. Alexandra, a PhD student at Surrey said “This support has enabled me to grow as a scientist, contributing to research that directly impacts the development of vaccines for vulnerable populations”.

Professor Rollier is also an important contributor to the global effort to use vaccines to combat antimicrobial resistance and explains “As the world grapples with the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, vaccines offer a promising part of the solution… we can protect individuals and public health and build a more resilient future”.

The Future Says: One Health, One Medicine

Well Foal Study

It’s now well known that gut health plays a huge role in human health – from mental wellbeing to immunity and digestion. But we need to know more and extend this understanding further to humans and animals. This could be the key to treating preventable illness.

Existing scientific evidence has outlined the link between the development of appropriate bacteria in the neonatal gut with the immune system later in life. However the impact of early-life experiences on gut bacteria in horses is unknown. This means that veterinarians are unable to improve equine health and athletic ability through early life intervention.

Researchers from Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Bioscience, led by Professor Chris Proudman, began the Well Foal Study. The team analysed the composition of gut bacteria in thoroughbred foals bred for flat racing alongside the long-term health and athletic performance of the horses.

To examine the connection between gut bacteria and long-term health, samples from foals were analysed and respiratory, gastrointestinal, orthopaedic and soft-tissue health issues were tracked from birth to age three. In addition, the team analysed information regarding their racing statistics as measures of athletic performance.

By establishing the link between early-life gut microbial populations and risk of disease, the Well Foal study has important implications for the welfare of racehorses, but according to Professor Chris Proudman, could have applications to other species -- “Research in humans has recently demonstrated associations between early-life gut microbial populations and the risk of respiratory and intestinal disease. Our research is the first to demonstrate an association with future athletic performance”. The results also highlight the negative long-term impact of antibiotic use in foals in early life.