21. October Brunel University is 50 in 2016

Many Members have connections with Brunel University, as does the Water Conservation Trust, which has offered bursaries to Masters students taking water and environmental subjects since 2008. Students and researchers are regular visitors to our functions.

During the next year, the University will be celebrating its 50thy birthday with a series of events. This was kicked off by Sir Richard Sykes, Chancellor, on 7 July, who talked about the early days and achievements of the University. Interestingly, Brunel’s university status came as a result of policies pioneered by Dr Beeching (yes the Dr Beeching).

The university was officially opened by (then) Lord Beeching in 1968. Following his policies, the university pioneered close connections with industry. Sir Richard said It was time to take the lessons learned from the past half-a-century and face the future as everything a university should be – modern, forward-thinking, practical, entrepreneurial, inclusive and collaborative.