Australian varsity's gift to Jackie Chan

The Australian National University is developing a science centre named after the Hong Kong actor.

The Australian National University is developing a science centre named after Jackie Chan, the action film star's official website said.

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The centre was named after the Hong Kong actor because of his recent financial contribution to medical research conducted at the university in Canberra, a news statement posted Wednesday said. Chan had earlier made a "significant contribution" to the university's medical school in honour of his mother, Lily Chan, who passed away in 2001, the statement said.

Judith Whitworth, the director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the university, said the new center will feature science and medical displays, as well as viewing windows into the university's labs.

Whitworth said she hoped the new centre would help get young people excited about science.

"He's been a great friend and longtime supporter of the school, and he made a very significant donation to us in 2002," Whitworth said. "We think Jackie's name will be a huge drawing card in switching kids on to science."