Samuel Lyle

Dr Samuel Lyle studied for a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1957. After he passed away, the University discovered that he had left a substantial legacy gift to be used for furthering research into new techniques that would deepen our understanding of chemical processes.

His extraordinary generosity has made a huge impact on the School of Chemistry, where his legacy continues to support a variety of initiatives focussed on enhancing student education, promoting inclusion and expanding outreach efforts across the department.

Thanks to Sam’s contribution, the department has been able to launch new projects that directly support students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with both academic and personal guidance. His legacy has helped fund mentorship programmes, summer internships and initiatives which allow students to build invaluable skills and pursue their academic ambitions, easing any financial barriers. These initiatives not only enhance student employability but also provide vital experiences which contribute to the diversity of the School of Chemistry.

One of the flagship programmes funded by Sam’s gift is the ‘Levelling Up’ initiative, which offers weekly tutorials and mentoring sessions to A level students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in higher education. These sessions are designed to help students overcome academic challenges and navigate university life. Led by tutors and mentors whose positions are supported by the legacy, the programme covers key A level curriculum topics and provides students with guidance on transitioning to university. Additionally, the legacy funds have enabled the department to provide electronic tablets to tutors, allowing them to work through problems with students in real-time. This scheme has given students greater confidence in their abilities and equipped them with the tools they need to pursue further education in chemistry, fulfilling Sam's commitment to levelling the playing field for all those who wish to learn.

As well as student tutoring, Sam's gift has facilitated the appointment of an outreach officer dedicated to inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM. The outreach officer leads several long-term projects, including working with local schools to evaluate how outreach efforts influence students' decisions to pursue A levels in sciences or degrees in chemistry. The legacy has also supported efforts to make chemistry experiments more accessible, such as developing methods for vision-impaired students to engage in laboratory work. The role has been pivotal in hosting workshops, conferences and talks aimed at increasing diversity in science education.

Sam’s gift has also been crucial in funding summer internships for undergraduate students. These internships provide students with paid opportunities to engage in research or teaching development projects, allowing them to gain hands-on experience that enhances both their academic knowledge and their employability. The teaching interns have made key contributions to the co-creation of learning resources aimed at improving students' understanding of both laboratory skills and transferable skills. To date, 12 undergraduate students have benefitted from these invaluable opportunities.

The gift in Sam’s will has empowered students from all backgrounds to excel in their studies and future careers. His contribution has not only expanded access to education but also helped to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Through outreach, mentorship and the provision of critical academic resources, Sam's generosity continues to open doors for future generations of students, and the School of Chemistry is immensely grateful to him for it.