THE WORLD DOESN’T JUST NEED MORE ENGINEERS.
IT NEEDS MORE ENGINEERS LIKE BRUCE McLAREN
First comes natural ability, there are hundreds with it. But there must always be the dedication to want to apply it, continue applying it, and keep improving it.
Bruce McLaren
MOTOR RACER. ENGINEER. MENTOR.
Backing the next generation was in Bruce McLaren’s DNA
It was also the key to his success. Often, these future talents were young New Zealanders. Bruce would take them under his wing, develop their skills, and help them achieve, together, on a global scale. Itʼs just who he was.
THE BRUCE MCLAREN CENTRE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING
Bruceʼs spirit of innovation, ingenuity and leadership is set to continue where it all began. In his home city, at the University of Auckland – a leading institution known for its expertise in transdisciplinary research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Together with leading global universities, industry leaders, and philanthropic partners, we’re building a revolutionary engineering centre that will attract exceptional students, researchers, educators, and innovators from around the world.
OUR MISSION
Create a world-leading centre of engineering and Design excellence that nurtures talent, teamwork and testing the limits of what’s possible.
We want to empower the next generation of engineers and designers to innovate in the spirit of Bruce McLaren with passion, curiosity and ingenuity, meeting the world's most pressing challenges.
WHERE FUTURE INNOVATORS WILL DEVELOP THEIR DRIVE
The Centre will attract and mentor young talent from diverse backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives and solutions to cutting-edge research. Inspired by Bruceʼs generosity with his time, his insights and his determination to succeed.
OUR RESEARCH VISION
LIGHTER. SMARTER. STRONGER. FASTER.
If Bruce were alive today, what would he see as the most urgent and exciting challenges facing our world? This is what the Centreʼs research programme will answer, partnering with leading academics, PhDs, technical experts and industry. Using the next generation of lightweight, high-performance materials, advanced manufacturing and creative design to address societyʼs needs across five key themes.
ENGINEERING and Design WITH INNOVATION AT ITS CENTRE.
The Centre will be comprised of three integrated parts, bringing together groundbreaking research, talent development for tomorrow and Bruce McLaren’s legacy.
The Workshop of Dreams
From a manufacturing laboratory and facilities for simulation and supercomputing, structural and aerodynamic testing, to digital design and flagship project builds, this is where leading researchers will test the limits. With a Research Hatchery turning groundbreaking research into impact.
BRUCE McLAREN ACADEMY
Where the next generation of talent is developed to create the leaders of tomorrow, through industry-ready focus, projects, placements and summer internships. Plus, immersive educational experiences from rocketry to racing, where skills are supercharged into action.
DISCOVERY CENTRE
A space that honours Bruce McLaren’s legacy with AI, interactive exhibits, and holographic storytelling. As visitors enter the Discovery Hub, glass walls reveal the FSAE race car workshop and the Centre’s cutting-edge labs.
let's talk
MARK BENTLEY, DIRECTOR
Alumni Relations and Development
University of Auckland
M: +64 21 737 471
E: m.bentley@auckland.ac.nz
STUART ANGEL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Alumni Relations and Development
University of Auckland
M: +64 21 516 577
E: stuart.angel@auckland.ac.nz
NINA COHEN BOHN, STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY
Alumni Relations and Development
University of Auckland
M: +64 27 216 6205
E: n.cohenbohn@auckland.ac.nz
Amanda Mclaren
My father would be proud to have his name connected to this visionary project. Along with my fellow trustees at The Bruce McLaren Trust, I am excited to be involved in this journey with the University of Auckland, where my father began as a student of Engineering
Amanda McLaren, Patron, Campaign for the Bruce McLaren Centre
ZaK brown and nick collins
We are delighted to be associated with this exciting initiative. We strongly endorse it and encourage fellow admirers of Bruce McLaren and his legacy to help turn this vision into reality.
Zak Brown CEO, McLaren Racing Ltd | Nick Collins CEO, McLaren Automotive Ltd
PROFESSOR NIC SMITH
Inspired by the spirit and legacy of Bruce McLaren, the new Centre will address real-world challenges for the benefit of society now and into the future.
It will not only turn breakthrough research into solutions, but it will also nurture the next generation of innovators. Thank you for your interest in this bold venture.
Professor Nic Smith Vice-Chancellor, The University of Auckland
