A generous donation from a former student of the University of Queensland will help fund the construction of a new 11-storey science building at the St Lucia campus of the university.

Donated by Andrew N. Liveris and his wife, Paula Liveris, the $40 million fund will finance several projects including the Liveris Academy. Designed by Lyons Architecture and M3 Architecture, the multi-storey tower, which will house the facilities for chemical engineering and related disciplines, will be named the Andrew N. Liveris Building. The couple have pledged to raise an additional $26.5 million for the university’s funding campaigns.

The Liveris Academy will “identify promising students with leadership potential and a passion to address sustainability issues involving clean water, safe food and modern energy services”.

Lyons Architecture and M3 Architecture were commissioned to design the building after winning a competition in 2016. Design highlights of the building include an energy-efficient glass facade; solar panels generating renewable energy; and open connecting stairs and shared collaborative spaces.

Currently the executive chairman of world-leading chemical company Dow DuPont, Liveris will retire in July this year. The Michigan resident graduated from the University of Queensland with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.