Philanthropy snapshot 2023 & 2024
1. Building Greece's legacy
Democracy, philosophy, astronomy, architecture: Western civilisation owes much to the Greeks. Determined to preserve this rich legacy, the Nicholas A Aroney Trust has created a research fund in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and a Greek cultural fund at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. These programs will ensure the appreciation and study of Greek culture, and the influence of democracy, continues long into the future.
2. Accelerating discovery
The University’s largest‑ever capital investment, the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA), is underway. The health, education and research precinct is an Australian‑first collaboration between government, university, philanthropists, and industry, and will help over 1200 biomedical researchers and clinicians tackle complex health challenges. The adjacent Innovation Hub is now open, with the SBA’s completion scheduled for 2027.
3. Beating the heat
The rising risks of extreme heat due to climate change are expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and infants. Enabled by the Wellcome Trust, Professors Adrienne Gordon (MPH(Hons) ’05, PhD ’12), and Ollie Jay will co‑lead this collaborative project between the University of Sydney and partners in Bangladesh and India. This study will help fill critical gaps in knowledge about the heat‑health risks for pregnant women.
4. Design in mind
Acclaimed Japanese architects from studio Atelier Bow‑Wow have been announced as the new Rothwell Co‑Chairs in Architectural Design Leadership, established by Garry Rothwell AM (BArch ’67, HonDArch ’22) and Susan Rothwell AM (BArch ’72, HonDArch ’22). From 2024‑26 Momoyo Kaijima, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto and Yoichi Tamai will bring their expertise to Sydney, and inspire the next generation of architects.
5. In-vets-ing in koala care
The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has recently launched a new scholarship for students passionate about wildlife medicine, thanks to the generous support of the Cockbain Family Wildlife Trust. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students awarded this scholarship will have the opportunity to visit Port Stephens Koala Hospital, where they will support veterinarians in diagnosing, treating, and providing critical care for koalas in need.
6. Judge gives back to alma mater
Sydney Law School students will benefit from a transformational $2.14 million bequest from the late Justice Alan Neaves (LLB ’49). Born locally in Glebe, Justice Neaves would go on to graduate with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney, and later served as Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department and Judge of the Federal Court. His generous gift will promote teaching, research and scholarships in Australian and comparative constitutional law.
7. Indigenous business boost
Funding from an anonymous donor will create a business skills program for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Co‑designed with communities, small‑group courses will address identified skill gaps in subjects such as business management, marketing, procurement, and workplace safety. The program aims to catalyse the success of Indigenous‑owned start‑ups while benefitting remote communities through job creation.
8. Musical (theatre) makeover
Footbridge Theatre will return to its former glory after 20 years as a lecture hall. The scope of the project includes reinstating the fly tower, catwalk, and orchestra pit, with a focus on providing production space for students in the Conservatorium’s Music Theatre stream. While the capital works are University‑funded, generous gifts from donors like Alan Hyland will help bring student productions from the rehearsal room to the stage.
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