The Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St Andrews University is to expand its work as the result of a donation from the Worldwide Support for Development (WSD), chaired by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa.
The centre will be renamed the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (HCSTPV).
Dr Handa is a prominent international business leader and philanthropist who supports a wide range of global educational, humanitarian and artistic projects.
This gift will enable the centre to offer new bursaries and studentships to attract the brightest minds in the subject to study and research in Scotland.
The centre also plans to stage major symposia in Scotland, attended by the world’s leading scholars in terrorism and political violence.
Professor Louise Richardson, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: “This is a generous and far-sighted gift from WSD and Dr Handa, which will expand the work of the HCSTPV and help us continue to bring the brightest students and scholars to St Andrews.
“Terrorism is a complex and fast evolving phenomenon which affects lives all over the world.
“It has never been more important to invest in the highest quality of research in order to understand and counter the threat and enhance human security.”
Professor Richard English, director of HCSTPV, said: “This generous donation from Dr Handa will enable HCSTPV to expand even further its original research and teaching.
“It will provide funding for outstanding students in the field to study at the university, and will ensure ever-stronger links with other leading centres of world-class research internationally.
“It is a wonderful contribution to the life of the university, and will make a huge difference to the capacity of the centre as it continues its research and teaching work.”