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 hub 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.

Supporting Research

Right now, the best way to support the department is to make a gift to the Earth Sciences Annual Fund, where gifts will support the greatest needs within the Department, from student support to pioneering new research.

At present our greatest needs are in DPhil studentships and equipment replacement. Undertaking a DPhil can be a significant financial commitment with students covering their course fees and living expenses. We want to ensure that the financial burden of undertaking a DPhil does not discourage the brightest and best applicants from applying to our programmes.

Adewunmi Abdul, a current DPhil student, had this to say of her experience at Oxford: “I wanted to be part of the positive change the Earth needs while developing essential skills for an ever-dynamic world. Doing a DPhil in Earth Sciences here has afforded me that opportunity.”.

Equipment, in its own right, plays a fundamental role in supporting the incredible research taking place across the Department and while we take great pride in the care with which we treat our equipment it inevitably needs replacing over time. This allows us to continue making great strides in research such as exploring and mapping environmental and climatic phenomena.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mnh299XkJes?si=s6tqJANQAqD5UGMH

Supporting Field Study

Photograph of the department landrover on the Assynt Field Class. The landrover is parked on a road overlooking a beautiful view with blue skies

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.

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.

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.

 

If you would like to make a donation towards a more specific purpose such as scholarships, academic posts, research, or outreach, please contact Kerry Atkins.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Oxford is extremely grateful for support at all levels, and particularly to those individuals and organisations whose donations have made a difference already.