BBC News
Billionaire hedge fund manager Chris Rokos has announced a significant donation of £190 million to the University of Cambridge. This contribution is expected to be recognized as “the largest single donation made to a British university in modern times.”
The funds will be allocated towards the establishment of a new school of government at Cambridge, which will bear Rokos's name, with the primary objective of nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Rokos articulated his desire to "give something back" to the United Kingdom through this generous donation.
The initial funding will comprise £130 million, complemented by an additional £60 million, which the university will match, culminating in the creation of the Rokos School of Government.
At 55 years old, Rokos is a prominent British investor and philanthropist residing in the UK. He founded the global multi-asset investment firm Rokos Capital Management. As per The Sunday Times Rich List, his estimated wealth stands at £2.6 billion, making him one of the highest taxpayers in the UK according to the publication's annual tax records.
Rokos’s educational journey started at a state primary school, from which he earned a scholarship to Eton College, followed by studying mathematics at Pembroke College, Oxford. He has previously provided financial backing for scholarships at Eton and various initiatives associated with Pembroke College.
Reflecting on his philanthropic endeavor, Rokos stated, “I was fortunate to be given the opportunity of an education which transformed my life, and I would like to give something back to Britain. My hope is that, in time, the influence of the Rokos School of Government across the world becomes an important element of that soft power which has been a great asset to the UK.”
Discussions regarding the establishment of this institution commenced several years ago with Dr. Elisabeth Kendall, President of Girton College, who shared a friendship with Rokos during their undergraduate years at Oxford. Their detailed dialogues led to a shared understanding of the necessity to equip future leaders with the skills to tackle emerging global challenges.
Rokos highlighted, “It was becoming clear that the world was changing in new and different ways, and that the processes of government needed to adapt accordingly. For me, there can be no better home for the Rokos School of Government than Cambridge University with its long tradition of scientific innovation and synergistic culture.”
The new Rokos School of Government is slated to be constructed on undeveloped land within the Cambridge West Innovation District, conveniently located near the university's science and technology divisions. It is anticipated to commence operations this autumn utilizing temporary facilities as plans for a permanent building are developed.
The institution will cater to PhD and Master’s students while also establishing a faculty comprising political scientists, economists, statisticians, and professionals from the spheres of business and government.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Prof. Deborah Prentice, expressed her gratitude for the donation, stating, “Thanks to Chris' generous support, the Rokos School of Government will become a place where leaders and governments—both current and future—along with experts from across our institution generate the insights and solutions needed to respond to our rapidly changing world.”
The preceding record for the largest donation to a university was established in 2019, when American billionaire Stephen Schwarzman contributed £185 million to Oxford University, which was designated for the creation of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
Recent reports from The Times Higher Education indicated a decline in philanthropic contributions to elite UK universities. The data revealed that donations to Russell Group institutions peaked at just over £650 million in 2023-24, followed by a decrease to approximately £546 million in the subsequent year.
Share this story