Michael Chowen
Doctor of Science

Michael Chowen has made many donations to educational establishments in the Brighton area, including the University of Brighton. He is a strong advocate of philanthropy as a force for good and is an active member of the university’s ambassador scheme.

Michael studied civil engineering at Birmingham University. After initially working for Gross Cash Registers Ltd in Hollingbury, he and his brother, Jonathan, set up Sussex Stationers in 1971. At its peak the chain employed 1,000 people across 50 stores throughout Sussex. They sold the business in 2004.

Michael has donated £150,000 towards our project to neutralise greenhouse gas. Professor Toru Maekawa from Toyo University, Japan and Dr Ray Whitby, from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, developed a system of breaking apart pressurized CO2. At its critical point, firing a laser at the gas separates the CO2 into its harmless components of oxygen and carbon.

The other project Michael supports is the Global Educational Outreach for Science, Engineering and Technology project or Geoset. Michael discovered this important activity at a lecture delivered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist, Sir Harry Kroto, at the Moulsecoomb campus. Michael’s support has raised awareness of research and education at the university.