The Power of Purpose
Each year, the University of Melbourne celebrates the many donors and alumni who help change the trajectory of students’ lives, uncover life-changing discoveries and build impactful communities. Discover how our generous community of donors is creating a powerful impact in the 2025 edition of our annual report below.
Student success stories
Your generosity enables the brightest students to pursue their dreams and thrive at the University, shaping them into confident and capable graduates who will change the world.
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Narrm Scholarship Program brings dreams within reach
A scholarship gave Gyan a home away from home – and the chance to pursue his vision of a more connected world.
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Staying the course with alumni support
Young graduates are helping Juris Doctor students living with a disability or a long-term illness keep pace with law school.
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Global fintech leader empowers innovation
Airwallex is transforming tech innovation and empowering students to lead the next generation of 'technopreneurs'.
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Cartographer's legacy nurtures next-gen geographers
In honour of a pioneering godmother, a memorial scholarship inspires women geographers and unites people over good food.
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Igniting confidence for women in STEM
Helen R Freeman is tackling gender imbalances in STEM, supporting students to pursue their careers from a position of strength.
Revolutionary research stories
With your generous support, our diverse community of researchers are tackling the timeliest social and scientific questions, to help us create a better world for all.
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Strengthening global pandemic preparedness
A visionary gift is bringing together global experts and cutting-edge research, so we're ready when the next pandemic strikes.
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New hope in the quest for HIV cure
Donor-backed research at the Doherty Institute unveils a promising HIV discovery using innovative mRNA technology.
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Fuelling careers for researchers with care duties
Recognising the career-family dilemma, this biomedical award supports researchers to pursue professional growth and caregiving.
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The power of early-career collaboration
Scientists propelled onto the world stage, fostering groundbreaking innovation through international partnerships.
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Medieval research follows in Knight’s footsteps
An anonymous donor gifted Dr Hill the time and space to launch her career and dive into medieval literature research.
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A legacy of languages
Major bequest empowers Indigenous communities to record their languages – and knowledge – through the power of just 50 words.
Community stories
The impact of your support radiates across our local and global communities, helping to nurture future leaders, preserve ecosystems and celebrate our rich cultural diversity.
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65,000 years of Australian art
A ground-breaking exhibition celebrates the brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art while confronting Australia’s colonial history.
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Safeguarding the future of cultural conservation
Transformative gift bolsters commitment to preserve humanity’s rich cultural tapestry for generations.
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Song of the Cricket resonates in Venice
This global eco-art installation is rebuilding a food web – blending architecture, music and conservation to save the crickets.
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Inspiring next-gen Indigenous engineers
An immersive program gives Indigenous high school students insight into engineering and tech pathways.
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Transforming the future of healthcare
A new academy equips healthcare leaders to meet 21st-century challenges, driving a healthier, resilient future for all.
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Taking strides in sport and science
A vote of confidence gives race-walking Olympian Jemima Montag the freedom to balance medicine and medals.
Message of thanks
Joanna Watts, Executive Director (Advancement)
As I read through this publication, I am struck by the fresh energy that each impact story carries. It speaks to a growing momentum in our donor community: a renewed sense of curiosity, commitment and a desire to make a profound investment in the future.
Through your donations, many of you are building bridges of opportunity, supporting bold researchers and enabling visionary and vital cultural work at the University of Melbourne.
It is an honour to thank you for trusting the University of Melbourne to deliver the impact and change you wish to see in the world. You will see many of these incredible outcomes highlighted in this year’s report.
Explore more stories of donor generosity
Find out more about our University community and the many ways that donors are helping its members thrive.
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Access past impact reports
Dive into our donor community’s long history of making a difference by exploring past editions of our annual donor impact report.
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Stories of impact
Read more stories of how your generosity has opened doors for students and funded research that improves lives now and into the future.
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Donor recognition
Discover visionary donors supporting vital research and ensuring its lasting impact and join us in celebrating our Heritage Society.
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions and specialised contact details.
Give to education and research
Learn how you can support students and researchers.
Ways to give
Explore the varied and meaningful ways you can give towards a brighter future for all.