The University of Warwick announced a £700 million investment in its West Midlands campus as part of its ambitious Connect Programme. The investment will concentrate on the Social Sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), allowing for an increase in interdisciplinary teaching and research opportunities, as well as the development of new courses in these areas.

STEM Connect Programme

The STEM Connect Programme is the first phase of the investment. Innovative rooms will be developed to accommodate new cutting-edge research and education programs.

The facilities, from teaching rooms to laboratories, will allow the University to expand its innovation and research while also  improving the campus experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students.  

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, said, “The Connect Programme demonstrates how we are fostering curiosity and creativity and creating a lasting impact for years to come. We will equip our students, researchers and partners to tackle the urgent global challenges of today and tomorrow.” 

He further added, “As we enter the first phase of the STEM Connect programme, The University of Warwick is leading the way in advancing STEM education and research, to inspire the next generation of innovators. 2025 marks 60 years of The University of Warwick and this investment reaffirms our commitment to making a better world together through our research, education and innovation. We are looking forward to further announcements about our Social Sciences Connect Programme later this year.” 

Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director for the STEM Connect Programme, said, “The programme will also provide access to state-of-the-art facilities that will deliver both innovation and societal impact. We will be creating an environment that will combine excellence with an interdisciplinary culture to create partnerships that will help address the world’s pressing challenges.” 

In addition to strengthening the economy by generating over 1,500 construction-related jobs over the project's duration, the Connect Programme will collaborate with local authorities, businesses, and communities in the West Midlands and nationwide to improve the UK's innovation, knowledge base, and skill set.

It is expected that the STEM Connect Program's construction will start in the upcoming year.