SABMiller creates ‘Barry Axcell Brewing Fellowships’

SABMiller announces the sponsorship of two new Fellowships at the University of Nottingham. The ‘Barry Axcell Fellowships in Brewing Science’ recognise the outstanding achievements of former Group Chief Brewer, Professor Barry Axcell, who retired earlier this year and reinforce SABMiller’s commitment to driving a step change in technological and process innovation in brewing.

The three year Fellowships will be open to applicants with PhDs and a track record in research. The tenures are co-funded by SABMiller and the University of Nottingham to a total value of nearly £400,000.

The successful Fellows will develop innovative research programmes in key areas of brewing science. Each Fellow will be located in the Bioenergy and Brewing Science Building at the University of Nottingham but will also be provided with access to state-of-the-art facilities within SABMiller.

Tony van Kralingen, SABMiller Director of Supply Chain and Human Resources said: “Barry Axcell has instilled a culture of Brewing excellence at SABMiller and his passion and professionalism serves as a model for all brewers. The creation of these Fellowships is a fitting legacy for him, enabling us to identify and develop talented brewing scientists to ensure that we push the boundaries of brewing innovation.”

Mentoring for the Fellows will be provided by Professor Axcell and Professor Katherine Smart who succeeded him as SABMiller Group Chief Brewer earlier this year.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham said: “The University has enjoyed a very productive strategic partnership with SABMiller for the last seven years. The creation of the Barry Axcell Fellowships in Brewing Science will help deepen this relationship further. We look forward to welcoming the new Fellows as they continue to build on the brewing research and innovation which Professor Axcell championed for so many years.”