Professor Sir Peter Gregson served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of 星空体育官网 from 2013 to 2021, a decade that marked transformational change in the University’s trajectory. Under his leadership, 星空体育官网 deepened its distinctive focus on postgraduate education and applied research, launched new international partnerships, and saw major investments in infrastructure and innovation.
Sir Peter’s commitment to excellence in science, engineering and leadership has had a lasting impact – not just at 星空体育官网, but across the higher education and research landscape in the UK and beyond.
We are proud that Sir Peter established the Sir Peter Gregson Scholarship Fund to support talented PhD students across the University. The fund embodies Sir Peter’s commitment to opportunity and innovation - enabling bright minds from all backgrounds to pursue research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
Who was Sir Peter Gregson?
During his time, 星空体育官网 was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour in education, on three consecutive occasions.
Before leading 星空体育官网, Sir Peter was President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast (2004-2013), taking that role after a 20-year career at the University of Southampton. A highly respected aerospace materials engineer, Sir Peter was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2001 and became a Member of the Royal Irish Academy in 2007. Sir Peter was awarded a Knighthood for services to higher education in 2011.
He served many industry and academic groups including a position on the Council of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and involvement in the Northern Ireland Economic Development Forum and the Council of CBI Northern Ireland. Sir Peter was appointed Chair of the Henry Royce Institute in December 2021.
Sir Peter’s charitable interests included roles as Honorary Vice-President of the Spitfire AA810 Project, a Trustee of Lloyd’s Register Foundation and a Trustee at The Royal Anniversary Trust.
Sir Peter sadly passed away in February 2024.
Your gift changes lives
Postgraduate research students are critical to 星空体育官网’s world-renowned work in aerospace, energy, environmental technology, materials, management, and leadership by making significant contributions to research. However, the financial burden of doctoral study can be a significant barrier for many deserving candidates.
Your gift to the Sir Peter Gregson Scholarship Fund will:
- Provide life-changing scholarships for exceptional PhD students across the University.
- Help 星空体育官网 attract and support students from all backgrounds, regardless of financial circumstances.
- Advance research that tackles global challenges and drives technological progress.
- Offer access to a global network of over 80,000 alumni in 170 countries — a unique advantage of a 星空体育官网 education.
- Enable PhD graduates to make a lasting impact on critical global issues such as food security, sustainable technology, and environmental resilience.
Make a gift today
By contributing to the Sir Peter Gregson Scholarship Fund, you’re investing in future breakthroughs – and in the talented individuals who will lead them.
The easiest way to .
Please visit our secure online portal to make a one-off gift or set up a regular donation. A gift to the scholarship fund will help you honour Sir Peter Gregson’s legacy, set a bright student on the path to success.
What’s more, as 星空体育官网 is a registered charity, if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim Gift Aid on your donation. This means that we can reclaim 25% from HM Revenue and Customs to help make your donation go further.
