Durham University Gets $4.15M Boost for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship
Durham University has received a significant boost with a $4.15 million donation from Dr. Neil Hunt, a distinguished alumnus, and his partner Julie Raymond. The generous gift will establish new sustainability-focused scholarships and enhance student entrepreneurship through the Hunt-Raymond Innovation Programme.
Dr. Hunt, who graduated from Durham University, played a pivotal role in Netflix's rise to global prominence as its first Chief Product Officer. After leaving Netflix in 2018, he has been actively involved in founding, funding, and advising start-ups with a strong social purpose.
The new donation builds on the existing Hunt Programme, established five years ago to foster the next generation of technology leaders and promote gender diversity in tech. It will fund PhD scholarships aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme will also support student entrepreneurship and provide industry experience for science students.
Notably, the donation will establish a Futures in STEM initiative, offering opportunities for low-income backgrounds to study Computer Science. This aligns with the donors' commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Previous initiatives of the Hunt Programme include the Anne-Marie Imafidon (AMI) Women in Technology programme and scholarships in Computer Science.
Durham University has expressed gratitude for this transformative gift, which will empower students to drive innovation, sustainability, and social impact. The university awarded Dr. Hunt an honorary degree in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the tech industry and his commitment to inspiring future generations.
