Support Us

For over 100 years, Oxford Earth Scientists have been observing life and its origins, the environment and its interiors and the planet and its processes. The discoveries made here have informed policy and advanced our knowledge of fundamental science.

Whether out in the field or in Oxford laboratories, it is the department’s mission to continue to provide the best possible environment – an environment in which the world’s brightest minds and practitioners can collaborate and make ground-breaking discoveries that answer today’s most pressing questions.

We actively welcome philanthropic partners to support this mission.

How to give

There are many ways in which you can support Earth Sciences at Oxford, for example by making a one-off gift, giving a regular donation or leaving a gift in your will.

Supporting Field Study

Field activity has remained an integral part of the undergraduate course. From the first year excursion to Pembroke to worldwide trips throughout the course, Oxford earth scientists are given opportunities from the beginning to develop the practical tools required for research. In turn, this ensures that tomorrow’s experts are scientifically trained to break new ground in their studies.

Field work provides new skills, experiences and the opportunity to bond with classmates in a new setting. It allows Oxford earth scientists to develop crucial skills in practical collaboration and learn how to best work and research as part of a group. It is no surprise that alumni fondly remember their time carrying out field work.

As an essential part of the degree, the Department of Earth Sciences actively welcomes contributions to support this aspect of the course in particular. Supporting field work gives donors the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of students at all levels of giving.

“Fieldwork has really been the highlight of my Earth Sciences degree. Being able to participate in field trips, such as to Assynt and Dorset, has been invaluable in situating knowledge from lectures and labs into the real world. The experience of fieldwork has also helped to build my self-confidence and independence, especially going to Greenland for my mapping project.” Tamsin Savvides (University College, 2016).

Donations to the Field Teaching Fund go into our endowment. As such, they will have a lasting impact, training the next generation of Earth scientists, who might go on to support communities at risk of earthquakes; supply rare earth minerals for future technologies; or mitigate climate change.

Make a donation via the Development Office online giving page.

Supporting Access and Outreach

The Department of Earth Sciences participates in a range of activities to make our subject accessible to school pupils, teachers and the wider public. Through these activities we hope to inspire the next generations of earth scientists – those who will increasingly experience challenging environmental issues and the effects of climate change.

Donations to support Access and Outreach can be made to the Earth Sciences Annual Fund. Make a donation via the Development Office online giving page.

Legacy Giving

Through the centuries, gifts in wills have played a vital part in Oxford’s success. Many of Oxford’s colleges were founded through generous legacies and almost every part of the collegiate University has benefited from gifts in the wills of alumni, friends and supporters.

A gift in your will can support any aspect of University life with which you have a particular affinity. You could help Oxford to address major global challenges by funding research, ensure that exceptional students are able to take up their places at the University, and that they thrive while here, or provide stability for critical teaching posts into the future. Whichever area you choose to support, your legacy will help to shape lives for generations to come.

You can find out more about legacy giving on the Development Office Legacies and Bequests page.