Gift from Essex alumnus to support pioneering computer science research

Influential business leader and Essex graduate Dr Jalal Bagherli is supporting the next generation of pioneering researchers through a transformative gift to the University of Essex.

Dr Bagherli and his wife Pauline have worked in partnership with the University to establish the Dr Jalal Bagherli PhD programme which will support five PhD studentships across three key areas: Embedded Hardware Systems for Net Zero; Embodied Biological Computing Artificial Intelligence and Responsible AI.

After completing his studies at Essex, Dr Bagherli built a hugely successful career around the development and manufacture of semiconductors, the technology at the heart of almost every product we use every day from cars to smart phones.

Dr Bagherli announced the programme during a visit to the Colchester Campus where he spoke to current students and met Essex researchers.

He said: “There is a big role for universities in the UK to play, building on the work of the brilliant scientists we already have here while bringing forward the next generation through investing in pioneering research.

“This gift to the School of Computer Science and Engineering will enable it to support advanced research which I know from my work in the industry is absolutely critical. I hope our programme can help increase our competitiveness and address the talent shortage in this area.

“The programme will be supporting leading edge research on semiconductors in embedded systems and AI, while also promoting the net zero economy, sustainability and the responsible use of AI. I hope we will achieve great results through the programme.”

Dr Bagherli’s links with Essex go back to 1976, when he started his BSc in Electronic Engineering. He spent 16 hugely successful years as the Chief Executive of Dialog Semiconductor, a chip company specialising in mixed signal connectivity and power management products for mobile and Internet of Things devices, culminating in the sale of the business to Japanese company Renesas for $5.8bn.

Since August 2023, Jalal has been Co-Chair for the UK Government Semiconductor Policy Advisory Panel, which advises the government on the country’s semiconductor strategy.

Last year, in recognition of his outstanding achievements he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Essex.

Professor Maria Fasli, Executive Dean for Science and Health and Interim Vice-Chancellor from the end of July, said: “Jalal is one of our community’s brightest lights. Someone who has established an outstanding reputation in his field.

“He is a huge success story and a role model to Essex students and alumni across the globe. He has demonstrated the value of an Essex degree, using his electronic engineering and business skills to become one of the semiconductor industry’s most celebrated and valued members.

“We are incredibly grateful to Jalal and his wife Pauline for their generosity and support. The virtuous cycle between alumni and students is one that we could not be more appreciative of as it serves to inspire a new generation of Essex pioneers, innovators and trailblazers.”

Head of the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering Professor Reinhold Scherer said: “Jalal is an inspiration. He reached the pinnacle of the international semi-conductor industry and has come back to Essex to support us with this important and generous gift. Jalal’s scholarships will allow us to work in three important areas. His donation will allow us to play a significant role on the world stage of research. It has a special meaning for us too as he is an alumnus of our University.”

• Watch our video of Jalal visiting Essex and speaking further about his gift