Originally published 12 June 2002

Lord Wolfson of Marylebone visited the University on 14 May to open the £16 million BioMedical Research Institute which includes a wing named after him in recognition of the Wolfson Foundation donation of £2.5 million towards the cost of the Institute. During his visit he also met with staff from the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, which have previously received funding from the Wolfson Foundation.

The Institute has resulted in a large expansion in the BioMedical facilities at the University with 90 staff now working within the building. The intention to build the BioMedical Research Institute is believed to have been a major factor in Warwick's successful bid with Leicester University to create the Leicester-Warwick Medical School. The BioMedical Research Institute has also received substantial funding from the WPH Charitable Trust and the General Charities of the City of Coventry.

Speaking at the opening the Vice-Chancellor thanked Lord Wolfson for his generous support for the University over the years. He described Lord Wolfson as "one of the UK's most generous philanthropists." He added "Through his personal commitment to the life sciences, the name Wolfson is synonymous with medical buildings and excellence in science research."