Oxford to study 'world problems'

James Martin wants to create 'future thinkers'

Oxford University is setting up a £3m-a-year centre to help solve the world's "most pressing problems".

The 21st Century School will look at issues such as climate change, disease, ageing societies and technology.

The university is funding the project from a £60m endowment given by computing pioneer James Martin.

The school will host 10 academics a year, with the aim of creating a network of "future thinkers" to look at global issues.

'Huge challenges'

Dr Martin, who has been called "the guru of the information age", received a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his book The Wired Society, based on his predictions and progressive views about technology.

He said: "Mankind faces huge challenges as the 21st Century unfolds.

"It is essential that our leading thinkers commit time, energy and resources now to finding solutions to these risks and problems which could threaten the future of humanity itself.

"New technology also offers revolutionary new opportunities.

"One of the most important activities for a leading university today should be the multi-disciplinary academic thinking needed to find solutions to humanity's biggest problems and address our future opportunities."

Oxford's vice-chancellor, John Hood, said: "We are enormously grateful to James Martin for funding this project with this exceptional gift.

"Throughout its history, the University of Oxford has been at the forefront of research and debate on the great issues facing our civilisation.

"The James Martin 21st Century School will allow us to continue playing our part in helping tackle the seismic social and technological challenges ahead."

The magazine Computerworld, in its 25th anniversary issue, ranked Dr Martin fourth among the 25 individuals who had most influenced the world of computer science.

His £60m endowment, given to Oxford last year, is already funding the James Martin Institute, which looks at the social, environmental and economic effects of computers.