Oxford given £36m to research climate change

Oxford University has been pledged up to £36 million by a former student to help it investigate global problems such as climate change.

Dr James Martin, a 75 year old IT tycoon and graduate of Keble College, said he will match any donations given to the James Martin 21st Century School in the next year, up a maximum of £36 million.

The James Martin 21st Century School was founded in 2005 using £72.5 million of Martin’s money.

It aims to find solutions for the problems of the 21st century.

Through his pledge, Martin hopes to attract funding to the school despite the economic downturn.

“My view is that while we may be distracted by today’s credit crunch, we must not forget the bigger picture - that we need to safeguard a future for the generations that follow us,” Martin said.

“We urgently have to work towards solutions to critical global challenges like climate change and world population growth.

“That’s why I want to inspire further financial support and new kinds of collaboration with my offer of matching funds.”

Donations matched by Martin must be at least $1 million (£710,000), and must be made before 12 March 2010.

Martin was already Oxford University’s biggest benefactor before he made the pledge.