Impact of giving

From bursaries, scholarships, and new academic posts to new initiatives, buildings and facilities, philanthropy ensures that we continue to lead and inspire the world in our teaching and research, nurturing exceptional minds and driving the discoveries of the future.

Impact of giving

From bursaries, scholarships, and new academic posts to new initiatives, buildings and facilities, philanthropy ensures that we continue to lead and inspire the world in our teaching and research, nurturing exceptional minds and driving the discoveries of the future.

Philanthropic impact stories

Find out how Cambridge is working to solve the challenges we face in today's world. None of the examples described here would be possible without Cambridge’s philanthropic supporters. Their philanthropy sets the brilliant minds working at Cambridge free to pursue new ideas and change the world.

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Planetary Computing Fellows Michael Dales and Sadiq Jaffer: Putting systems to work to accelerate ecological interventions

The phrase ‘planetary computing’ conjures all kinds of images, from sending emails while in orbit to using technology to explore the galaxy. But in reality, this discipline is far more grounded, practical — and urgent. It harnesses the power of computer science to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
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Harding Scholar Hannah Clayton: Crossing disciplines and continents to pursue groundbreaking cancer research

Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholar weaves together disparate data for a unique insights into ovarian cancer.
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Cambridge Children's Hospital fundraising campaign passes halfway mark, raising more than half of £100m target

The Fundraising Campaign to build a ground-breaking 35,000sqm children’s hospital in Cambridge has passed the halfway mark of its £100m target, reaching over £56m in pledges and gifts secured.
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Meet early career researcher Jingwen Fan: An impressive breakthrough, a new fellowship, and a bright future in public health leadership

Alumna Jingwen Fan (Emmanuel 2017) has been announced as the 2023 Lady Mireille and Sir Dennis Gillings Global Public Health Fellow for the University of Cambridge.
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Micro:bit Educational Foundation supports new research into physical computing in schools

In a new project about to get underway in our Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre, researchers will explore over time the impact of physical computing on children who are introduced to it at primary school.
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Gift announcements

Cambridge owes its world-leading excellence in research and teaching to the generosity of its supporters. Our history is synonymous with a history of far-sighted benefaction, and the same is as true today as it has ever been.

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Landmark donation boosts Cambridge’s pioneering early cancer research

The University of Cambridge is delighted to announce a landmark £11 million donation to support the University’s Early Cancer Institute — the UK's only research facility dedicated to understanding early cancer.
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Advancing vaccine technology for global impact

A new global health institute dedicated to advancing vaccine technology is to be established thanks to a new strategic partnership involving the University of Cambridge, along with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), thanks to philanthropic funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). 
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New life-changing scholarships support talented Science Olympiad medallists to study at Cambridge

The Global Talent Lab (GTL), in partnership with XTX Markets and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), is launching the 'Backing Invisible Geniuses' (BIG) UK Programme today. This initiative enables outstanding students from across the globe to study Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics at Cambridge.
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New Professorship at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

The Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy is pleased to announce the establishment in perpetuity of the Mike Ashby Associate Professorship to support researchers in the early stages of their careers.
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New gift expands capacity of Centre for Mobile, Wearable Systems and Augmented Intelligence

Nokia Bell Labs extends their support by providing flexible funding.
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Donor stories

Discover why philanthropy matters and how it makes Cambridge better still. Hear from our donors about their philanthropic motivations and from those who have been supported by such gifts during their time at the University.

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Mummies, biomedical Egyptology, and preserving eternity: Professor Rosalie David’s vision for her discipline and her legacy

Very few people can boast of having served as director of the International Mummy Database. The remarkable Professor Rosalie David OBE is one of the few.
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Legendary scholarship, ‘tough love’, and cocktails: Joyce Reynolds’s trailblazing life and unique and multifaceted legacy

Formidable, gifted, and just as passionate about her own work as her students’ learning and success, Joyce Reynolds was, and remains, an inspiration. Warm and admiring anecdotes about her abound — and one thing is clear: no one whose life was touched by Joyce will ever forget her. Now, her spirit and commitment will continue to support future generations thanks not only to her own legacy giving, but to the giving she inspired in others.  
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Blending Chemistry, Cooking and Children’s Health: An audience with Bonnie Garmus

In a special event to raise money for the ground-breaking new Cambridge Children's Hospital (CCH), author of global sensation Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus took to the stage to discuss her bestselling debut novel with the hospital’s campaign board co-chair, Dame Mary Archer.
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‘Born at the Right Time’: Maths, music, museums and a legacy from Margaret Marrs

After a long and rich life in tune with both numbers and notes, computing trailblazer Margaret Marrs leaves a bequest as well-rounded as she was.
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Leaving a Legacy: Professor John Otto Kessler

Thanks to his bequest to Cambridge in America for Clare Hall, future scholars will have the opportunity to explore Cambridge in the curious, tinkering, and enthusiastic spirit of Professor John Kessler.
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