Report to donors
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 2026 edition of our annual report below.
Student success stories
Your generosity helps students believe in what is possible. Through the opportunities you create, talented young people can pursue their dreams, find their place and build brighter futures for themselves and those around them.
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Making every move count
With support from the Narrm Scholarship, Mobin is pursuing his ambitions and striving for excellence on and off the mat.
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Reimagining the future of aerospace
A scholarship is helping Tully pursue her aerospace ambitions and explore how Indigenous knowledge can shape the future of engineering.
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Redefining success through a law scholarship
The Price Scholarship is helping Gonya transform uncertainty into confidence and pursue law as a pathway to empower her family and community.
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When generosity is multiplied, students thrive
As cost-of-living pressures rise, collective giving helps students access vital support, overcome hardship and succeed in their studies.
Revolutionary research stories
Your support sparks discoveries that can change lives. From advancing knowledge to addressing complex challenges, your generosity helps bring hope, progress and possibility to people and communities around the world.
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Transforming care for children with epilepsy
Gemma’s first seizure at 10 months led to a life-changing diagnosis. Now, pioneering research is bringing hope to families like hers.
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Rewiring hope for mental health
Innovative brain stimulation research is opening new possibilities for people living with complex mental health conditions.
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Knowledge moving in both directions
A gift in Will is strengthening Yolŋu-led education through reciprocal learning between communities, schools and the University.
Community stories
Your generosity strengthens the ties that connect us. By nurturing culture, fostering belonging and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, you are helping build stronger, more vibrant communities.
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One act, a century of impact
In 1926, Sidney Myer created more than a gift. He created a structure that could evolve with the University's needs for generations to come.
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Changing the face of Australian politics
A decade-long movement is empowering women with the confidence, skills and networks to step into political leadership.
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Creating brave spaces
A bold pilot is equipping students with the skills to explore challenging ideas, navigate differences and lead with empathy.
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Exploring what’s possible through science and art
Science Gallery Melbourne is opening young minds to new possibilities through inclusive STEAM learning, co-designed with the Deaf community.
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Cultivating a sustainable future at Burnley
A lasting connection to Burnley is helping nurture the next generation of horticultural leaders and shape a more sustainable future.
Messages of thanks
Professor Glyn Davis AC, Interim Vice-Chancellor
Thank you for the many ways your generosity strengthens the University of Melbourne community and beyond. Your support opens doors for students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, and enables emerging researchers to pursue life-changing work that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The stories in this report show what is possible when donors, volunteers and alumni come together with shared purpose. Because of you, opportunities are created, ideas are advanced and impact extends well beyond the University.
On behalf of the University of Melbourne, thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Oonagh Kane, Executive Director (Advancement)
Thank you for your generosity and the extraordinary impact it is having on students, researchers, staff and communities. As I complete my first year as Executive Director, I am honoured by the trust you place in the University of Melbourne to help create meaningful change.
In this edition, you’ll meet inspiring scholarship recipients including Narrm Scholar Mobin and Tully, who received a scholarship after earning a NASA internship to explore the origins of life.
You’ll also discover groundbreaking research in mental health, find out about the Djambatj Dhukarr learning exchange, and celebrate milestones including 100 years of the Sidney Myer University Trust.
Thank you for making all of this possible.
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.