Transforming our campus

Aston’s campus is continually evolving to provide the very best facilities for education and research. Since our founding there has been levels of progress in the worlds of science and technology far beyond what might have seemed possible in the past, with Aston University pioneering many of these advances. Each generation has developed specialised spaces and resources to drive these advances in learning and discovery.

In line with Aston’s 20230 strategy we are taking another step forward, creating ambitious new facilities to keep us at the forefront of the latest industrial revolution.

Find out how you can support the exciting new developments:

AIME - The Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence

Aston’s newest research institute is conducting world-leading research in membrane science, with a holistic approach bridging biology, physics and chemistry.

The Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) is Aston’s newest Research Institute, committed to interdisciplinary, translational research in membrane science. With a holistic approach that combines biology, physics and chemistry, AIME expands Aston’s distinctive excellence in this field.

AIME is staffed by a collaborative team of principal investigators in biochemistry, molecular modelling, pharmacology, protein/lipid chemistry, cell biology and polymer science. Members of the team work together to study the structure and function of membrane proteins and associated lipids. AIME’s intention is to meet a number of real-world medical needs – especially in relation to head and spinal column injuries – as well as innovative applications for water purification and waste treatment. Every year, around 60 million people worldwide are believed to be affected by brain swelling caused by head injury or stroke, while polluted water is thought to be responsible for over a million global deaths.

AIME’s unique holistic approach allows researchers to study membranes as whole structures, rather than collections of individual components, with potentially huge real-world impacts.

Get involved

Aston University recognises the need to invest the University’s own resources to make this project a reality. Philanthropic support from alumni and friends of the University will accelerate these exciting plans and enable it to become self-sustaining.

For more information about how you can get involved please contact:

Christiane Dickens, Director of Development

Email: c.dickens@aston.ac.uk

Design Factory Birmingham

Design Factory Birmingham is a creative design and digital innovation space at Aston University. This facility offers both digital and physical solutions to businesses, addressing issues ranging from product design to technological integration. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the necessary resources and expertise to navigate these challenges, and the Design Factory Birmingham aims to bridge this gap by providing services like design innovation, artificial intelligence, data science, sustainability, and web/app design.
 
The Design Factory Birmingham serves as a platform for experiential learning, providing students and recent graduates with real-world work experience. Engaging in practical projects, students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge, collaborate with professionals, and develop essential skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. By immersing students in these real-world experiences, the university aims to equip them with the confidence and skills required for their future careers.

Get involved

Please get in touch to find out more about sponsorship opportunities, working with our students and designing the future.

Christiane Dickens, Director of Development

Email: c.dickens@aston.ac.uk