A drugs firm in India has handed the Science Museum its largest donation to date from an international donor.

The eight-figure donation has been handed to the museum from Serum Institute of India, which is the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world and is part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group.

The money from the pharma giant will be used by the museum to transform its Making the Modern World gallery, which has been in place for two decades.

This will reopen in 2028 as Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery, and will “reflect current global concerns and scientific thinking”, said the museum.

"Through our ambitious new Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery we will create the most significant display of objects from the history of science anywhere in the world,” added Science Museum Group director and chief executive Ian Blatchford.

“Visitors will be able to journey through 250 years of innovation and explore the scientific ideas shaping our lives today.”

Serum Institute of India chief executive Adar Poonawalla added: “‘We feel honoured to support the Science Museum’s unwavering commitment in fostering curiosity and discovery.”

The donation has been welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

“This is a wonderful demonstration of trust in the Science Museum, which is a powerful advocate for greater cultural and scientific ties between the UK and India,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing this investment support the transformation of this much-loved gallery space and educate and inspire visitors for generations to come.”

Since 2014, more than 60% of the Science Museum’s galleries and spaces have been renewed following more than £100 million investment from sponsors, charitable trusts and foundations and philanthropists. Over this time 11 new galleries and two permanent interactive spaces have opened.

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