Thank you
For empowering the leaders of today and tomorrow
The impact of giving 2024–25
Thank you
I am honoured to present to you Imperial College London’s 2024–25 Impact of Giving Report, which celebrates the generosity of our donors and supporters, and aptly reflects the impact philanthropy has on our staff, students and society at large. On behalf of the entire Imperial community, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who gave to Imperial during this period.
Your support is empowering the leaders of today and tomorrow to imagine what is possible, and ensuring students from all backgrounds can make the most of an Imperial education.
It also enables us to realise our founding mission – which is to be useful – by creating opportunities for scientific imagination and discovery to be nurtured. From improving the safety and accessibility of artificial intelligence models, to developing novel technologies for sustainable fashion, our researchers are addressing the global challenges shaping our world.
Some of the most interesting and impactful discoveries happen at the intersections, and every day, our students, staff and partners convene to confront society’s most urgent challenges. With your continued support, we can transform research, expertise and vibrant ideas into innovative solutions that will shape a better future.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London
Thank you
I am honoured to present to you Imperial College London’s 2024–25 Impact of Giving Report, which celebrates the generosity of our donors and supporters, and aptly reflects the impact philanthropy has on our staff, students and society at large. On behalf of the entire Imperial community, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who gave to Imperial during this period.
Your support is empowering the leaders of today and tomorrow to imagine what is possible, and ensuring students from all backgrounds can make the most of an Imperial education.
It also enables us to realise our founding mission – which is to be useful – by creating opportunities for scientific imagination and discovery to be nurtured. From improving the safety and accessibility of artificial intelligence models, to developing novel technologies for sustainable fashion, our researchers are addressing the global challenges shaping our world.
Some of the most interesting and impactful discoveries happen at the intersections, and every day, our students, staff and partners convene to confront society’s most urgent challenges. With your continued support, we can transform research, expertise and vibrant ideas into innovative solutions that will shape a better future.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London
Meet the students
Thanks to your support, £8.5 million was given to scholarships, student support and prizes between 2024-25. These gifts are opening paths for talented students all over the world to reach their potential and pursue their academic dreams.
Sean Miles
“Giving to Imperial is an investment in the future of science and engineering, and it has a profound impact on students like me.”
Bursary recipient and Materials Science and Engineering undergraduate Sean Miles has immersed himself in Imperial’s outreach activities to support and inspire other students.
Why did you pursue a Materials Science and Engineering degree?
I’ve always been passionate about the sciences, but I also enjoyed Maths. For my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted something interdisciplinary that combined both elements: Materials Science answered that need. My personal journey also played a part. Losing my father at the age of 10 was incredibly difficult, shaping my outlook in many ways. My mother was a constant source of encouragement and always stressed the importance of education. That support, combined with Imperial’s reputation for world- class research, made it feel like the right place for me. When I received my offer, it truly felt like a dream come true.
How has receiving the Imperial Bursary supported you?
It’s been a huge relief, reassuring me that I can focus on my studies without constant financial stress. It also allows me to get involved in relevant impactful projects and outreach activities, and build connections with fellow students. Giving to Imperial is an investment in the future of science and engineering, and it has a profound impact on students like me.
What extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
I’m the Sponsorship Officer for the Energy Society, which aims to provide students with the skills and network needed to develop successful careers in energy related industries. It’s been a fantastic way to connect with like-minded students, develop my leadership skills and engage with industry professionals.
I’m passionate about outreach, and I volunteer as a Materials Student Ambassador. In this role, I’ve helped support the Department of Materials with Admissions Day, greeting new students, giving them a tour of the campus and answering questions.
I’ve seen first-hand how outreach can open doors to possibilities I would otherwise not know about, so I want to play my part in encouraging young minds in this space. I’m also very inspired by my professor Dr Eleonora D’Elia. Her work to make the field more accessible, especially for underrepresented communities, encourages me to play a part in inspiring future scientists.
Sean Miles
"Giving to Imperial is an investment in the future of science and engineering, and it has a profound impact on students like me.”
Bursary recipient and Materials Science and Engineering undergraduate Sean Miles has immersed himself in Imperial’s outreach activities to support and inspire other students.
Why did you pursue a Materials Science and Engineering degree?
I’ve always been passionate about the sciences, but I also enjoyed Maths. For my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted something interdisciplinary that combined both elements: Materials Science answered that need. My personal journey also played a part. Losing my father at the age of 10 was incredibly difficult, shaping my outlook in many ways. My mother was a constant source of encouragement and always stressed the importance of education. That support, combined with Imperial’s reputation for world- class research, made it feel like the right place for me. When I received my offer, it truly felt like a dream come true.
How has receiving the Imperial Bursary supported you?
It’s been a huge relief, reassuring me that I can focus on my studies without constant financial stress. It also allows me to get involved in relevant impactful projects and outreach activities, and build connections with fellow students. Giving to Imperial is an investment in the future of science and engineering, and it has a profound impact on students like me.
What extracurricular activities have you been involved in?I’m the Sponsorship Officer for the Energy Society, which aims to provide students with the skills and network needed to develop successful careers in energy related industries. It’s been a fantastic way to connect with like-minded students, develop my leadership skills and engage with industry professionals.
I’m passionate about outreach, and I volunteer as a Materials Student Ambassador. In this role, I’ve helped support the Department of Materials with Admissions Day, greeting new students, giving them a tour of the campus and answering questions.
I’ve seen first-hand how outreach can open doors to possibilities I would otherwise not know about, so I want to play my part in encouraging young minds in this space. I’m also very inspired by my professor Dr Eleonora D’Elia. Her work to make the field more accessible, especially for underrepresented communities, encourages me to play a part in inspiring future scientists.
Ivy Gao
“My scholarship encouraged me to make the most of being at Imperial and the special opportunity I’ve been given.”
From a hospital internship to an industry work shadowing scheme, Thermo Fisher Scholar and Biological Sciences undergraduate Ivy Gao is embracing Imperial’s hands-on learning opportunities.
Ivy, where does your passion for biology come from?
Biology lets us understand the world around us, in turn helping to address a vast range of key issues, from developing new vaccines in the medical industry to driving legislation and policies that protect the environment. The possibilities in biology research are endless, which made me want to dive deeper into this field at university.
How has your scholarship made a difference to your university experience?
It has supported my living expenses, which has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying too much about money. But the impact is beyond financial. I’m the first person in my family to go to university, and the scholarship has given me confidence in my own abilities.
Outside the classroom, what development opportunities have you experienced at Imperial?
In my first year, I took part in Imperial’s work shadowing scheme at a medical communications company. Whilst there, I tried my hand at writing a short article on rare diseases, which ended up being published in an international journal for family practitioners and primary care researchers worldwide.
I also did an internship with Royal London Hospital in their virology laboratory, working on identifying different types of human papillomavirus (HPV) from cancerous lesions. I really enjoyed working with the team in a dedicated lab, an experience I wouldn’t have gained in the classroom.
It’s been great to broaden my horizons and learn first-hand from experts and peers across the medical field. My scholarship encouraged me to make the most of being at Imperial and the special opportunity I’ve been given; without it, I almost certainly wouldn’t be where I am now.
Ivy Gao
“My scholarship encouraged me to make the most of being at Imperial and the special opportunity I’ve been given.”
From a hospital internship to an industry work shadowing scheme, Thermo Fisher Scholar and Biological Sciences undergraduate Ivy Gao is embracing Imperial’s hands-on learning opportunities.
Ivy, where does your passion for biology come from?
Biology lets us understand the world around us, in turn helping to address a vast range of key issues, from developing new vaccines in the medical industry to driving legislation and policies that protect the environment. The possibilities in biology research are endless, which made me want to dive deeper into this field at university.
How has your scholarship made a difference to your university experience?
It has supported my living expenses, which has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying too much about money. But the impact is beyond financial. I’m the first person in my family to go to university, and the scholarship has given me confidence in my own abilities.
Outside the classroom, what development opportunities have you experienced at Imperial?
In my first year, I took part in Imperial’s work shadowing scheme at a medical communications company. Whilst there, I tried my hand at writing a short article on rare diseases, which ended up being published in an international journal for family practitioners and primary care researchers worldwide.
I also did an internship with Royal London Hospital in their virology laboratory, working on identifying different types of human papillomavirus (HPV) from cancerous lesions. I really enjoyed working with the team in a dedicated lab, an experience I wouldn’t have gained in the classroom.
It’s been great to broaden my horizons and learn first-hand from experts and peers across the medical field. My scholarship encouraged me to make the most of being at Imperial and the special opportunity I’ve been given; without it, I almost certainly wouldn’t be where I am now.
Your generosity is also creating opportunities for our academics to explore groundbreaking research and providing them with the resources and facilities needed to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Smart threads: Connecting style and sustainability
Each year, the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, and textile production alone contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined.
As demand increases, there is a pressing need to discover new, sustainable materials and find new markets for used clothing. At Imperial, students across various disciplines, from engineering to business, are carrying out innovative research to address these needs.
Maya Thabal Herron, a PhD student and scholarship recipient within The Dyson School of Design Engineering, is researching the development of triboelectric textiles – materials that harvest electricity from friction created by contact with skin.
“My introduction to the world of smart textiles came from my interest in wearable technology – electronic devices that can be worn on the body either as accessories or as part of clothing,” explains Maya. “I’m fascinated by how materials can be engineered for functionality.
A core challenge in the wearable technology sector is energy independence, with lithium-ion batteries used as one of the main energy sources. These batteries are difficult to recycle and require huge amounts of water and energy to produce. As such, greener methods for powering sensors are being explored, including triboelectric energy harvesting.
“The idea that we could harness energy from simple body movements like walking and stretching to power devices is incredible,” says Maya. “This is a new concept that has only recently been applied to textiles to create fabrics that can generate power from everyday movements, and it’s fantastic to be part of its early development.”
Maya’s research specifically aims to move away from the use of high-performance plastics to produce the triboelectric effect, focusing instead on materials with lower environmental footprints.
“Being awarded a scholarship has given me the freedom to lead my own research and explore a novel area without restriction, allowing me to mould my research into something I’m genuinely excited about. For that, I’m grateful.”
“The idea that we could harness energy from simple body movements like walking and stretching to power devices is incredible.”
Giving new life to waste
Also interested in the sustainability of the fashion industry is Olha Velichkovska, a Master’s student and Sanctuary Scholar studying Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management. Whilst at Imperial, Olha has founded Oblique, a startup transforming vintage garments and discontinued stock into premium upcycled accessories, such as laptop cases and charger pouches.
“In January 2023, I was diagnosed with cancer, and it changed my entire perspective on life. I wanted to focus on my passion for fashion, but I was concerned about overconsumption. That’s what inspired me to start my business.”
Originally from Ukraine, Olha joined Imperial Business School after receiving a scholarship from Imperial’s Sanctuary Scholarship Fund for displaced students, which is funded by donors from across the Imperial community.
“This scholarship has changed my life tremendously,” says Olha. “It has allowed me to study and live in London without sacrificing my health, and I couldn’t think of anywhere better to study and start a business.
“I’m taking a module in entrepreneurship that’s taught by an actual entrepreneur, giving me invaluable real-life lessons. I’ve gained mentorship, learnt how to create essential business materials, accessed workshops through the Enterprise Lab and been given opportunities to put my pitching skills into practice.
“And it’s not just the practical support that’s beneficial. I’m surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate, ambitious and supportive, and who encourage one another to dream big. It all comes down to people – they make the journey meaningful.”
The AI revolution: Forging a responsible future
Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining our world at an astonishing pace. At Imperial, with the backing of philanthropic support, our academics and students are shaping this revolution by developing and championing thoughtful AI technologies.
From transforming industries to reimagining how we live, learn and connect, AI’s potential is vast. But with unparalleled potential to reshape society, it introduces a complex landscape of ethical considerations and challenges.
At Imperial, we’re building deeply integrated research communities within our new Schools of Convergence Science that are dedicated to delivering societal impact – one of which is accelerating the safe and productive development and deployment of AI.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, we have been able to welcome new talent into this space. This includes Euodia Dodd, a Wendy Tan White and Joe White Scholar, who is carrying out PhD research on the intersection of privacy and AI models.
“AI models present inherent privacy risks,” says Euodia. “All systems are trained using existing data, which they then become vulnerable to leaking. Developers try to quantify how much information their model might leak; however, due to the size and scale of models, this task can be costly and time consuming. So, I’m investigating ways to make privacy risk evaluation methods cheap and accessible, in the hope it will improve the security of AI models.
“As AI becomes increasingly accessible to everyday consumers, regulatory frameworks are lagging, creating an environment where privacy risks can go unchecked. Whilst this has helped to foster innovation, it’s meant ethical considerations have been reactive,” Euodia says. “I want to see developers considering privacy from the outset, baking safeguards into design systems that allow for transparency and accountability from day one.”
Before joining Imperial, Euodia worked in industry at Goldman Sachs, responsible for the commercialisation of AI in the firm. “I enjoyed my role, but it was very broad,” says Euodia. “I wanted to spend more time digging into the technology and answering important scientific questions.
“I feel lucky to have received the Wendy Tan White and Joe White Scholarship. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to quit my job and explore this area of research that I’m so passionate about.”
Representing the Global South in AI models
As well as answering urgent questions about the state of ethics within generative AI models, philanthropy is also supporting research into their inclusivity, through a funded fellowship.
Shamsuddeen Muhammad, a Google DeepMind Academic Fellow at Imperial, is leading novel research into natural language processing and ‘low-resource’ African languages.
“Languages without a high level of digital footprint aren’t used to train AI models, so if you try to ask questions in those languages, the responses you’ll get may be ineffective or, in worst case scenarios, harmful,” says Shamsuddeen.
“At present, many language models don’t flag and prevent hate speech if it’s shared in a low-resource language. To address this, I’ve launched AfriHate – the first high-quality, labelled X (formerly Twitter) dataset collection for detecting hate and abusive languages across 18 African languages.”
Shamsuddeen is passionate about broadening opportunities for diversity and inclusion within AI and computing, and in 2020, he founded the Arewa Data Science Academy – a hands-on data science and machine learning training programme that teaches young people across Africa how to code.
“It feels great to give back, as I too have benefitted greatly from the generosity of others,” says Shamsuddeen. “The Google DeepMind Academic Fellowship has provided me with mentorship and opportunities to travel across the world to top industry events I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. And it’s allowed me to realise my dream of joining Imperial and contributing to work that is changing the world for the better.”
A journey of gratitude and giving
Alumnus John Sherwood (Physics 1953, PhD 1956) is Imperial’s longest-standing donor. Since his first gift in 1990, he has continuously donated to the university, providing opportunities for students and staff to follow their passion and purpose.
"I grew up in a small town in North Buckinghamshire, where the primary employers were the railway works and a printing business. No one in my family had attended university before, so I didn’t know what the path to higher education looked like.
"I received a Royal Science Scholarship in 1948, but failed to secure a place at Imperial as the university was enrolling 90% ex-armed forces. I was conscripted into the Royal Air Force where I served for two years, before finally being admitted to Imperial in 1950. The Royal Science Scholarship covered my full tuition and gave me a yearly stipend for living expenses. I’m so grateful for it as, without it, I wouldn’t have been able to attend university.
"My time at Imperial was six of the best years of my life. I served as Secretary of the Royal College of Science (RCS) Union for one year. The Royal School of Mines students were entirely uninhibited, and annual trips to the races at Ascot were particularly memorable!
"But my most valued experience was living in the on-campus hostel around the years I was RCSU Secretary, as that was where I met my future wife, Edith Stephen, who was a PhD student.
Imperial’s life-changing impact
Studying at Imperial opened the world to me and made me what I am today. I was fortunate to benefit from the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. This programme gave me the opportunity to take on various work experiences during my summer.
After graduating, I moved to Ottawa, Canada and enjoyed a postdoctoral position for two years at the NRC. I built a career around geophysics and now, I’m the President and Co-Founder of Geo Ex Machina, providing geophysical software and services to the oil and gas industry. I’ve had great professional success in my life, but I’m especially proud to have received the Maurice Ewing Medal – the highest honour awarded by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Pride in Imperial then and now
I feel honoured to be associated with such a world-class institution, and it’s wonderful to still feel connected to it all these years later. Giving is a very personal thing, but I encourage anyone considering a gift to Imperial to go for it. I give back to Imperial out of pure appreciation for all that my time there has unlocked for me. It’s gratifying to see the impact donations have in helping students who struggle financially, as I once did, to realise their dreams by studying at Imperial.
I grew up in a small town in North Buckinghamshire, where the primary employers were the railway works and a printing business. No one in my family had attended university before, so I didn’t know what the path to higher education looked like.
I received a Royal Science Scholarship in 1948, but failed to secure a place at Imperial as the university was enrolling 90% ex-armed forces. I was conscripted into the Royal Air Force where I served for two years, before finally being admitted to Imperial in 1950. The Royal Science Scholarship covered my full tuition and gave me a yearly stipend for living expenses. I’m so grateful for it as, without it, I wouldn’t have been able to attend university.
My time at Imperial was six of the best years of my life. I served as Secretary of the Royal College of Science (RCS) Union for one year. The Royal School of Mines students were entirely uninhibited, and annual trips to the races at Ascot were particularly memorable!
But my most valued experience was living in the on-campus hostel around the years I was RCSU Secretary, as that was where I met my future wife, Edith Stephen, who was a PhD student.
Imperial’s life-changing impact
Studying at Imperial opened the world to me and made me what I am today. I was fortunate to benefit from the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. This programme gave me the opportunity to take on various work experiences during my summer.
After graduating, I moved to Ottawa, Canada and enjoyed a postdoctoral position for two years at the NRC. I built a career around geophysics and now, I’m the President and Co-Founder of Geo Ex Machina, providing geophysical software and services to the oil and gas industry. I’ve had great professional success in my life, but I’m especially proud to have received the Maurice Ewing Medal – the highest honour awarded by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Pride in Imperial then and now
I feel honoured to be associated with such a world-class institution, and it’s wonderful to still feel connected to it all these years later. Giving is a very personal thing, but I encourage anyone considering a gift to Imperial to go for it. I give back to Imperial out of pure appreciation for all that my time there has unlocked for me. It’s gratifying to see the impact donations have in helping students who struggle financially, as I once did, to realise their dreams by studying at Imperial.
The year in numbers
3,598 individuals and organisations gave to Imperial between August 2024 and July 2025, raising a total of £77.5 million towards advancing education, fostering innovation and supporting world-leading research.
The impact of giving
The stories here are taken from the 2024–25 Impact of Giving report and show the difference that philanthropy makes at Imperial, from shaping the student experience, to sparking new research and ensuring that our campus remains world class. Thank you to everyone who gave this year, your support for Imperial has real impact.
If you would like to receive a full copy of the report, either by email or post, please get in touch with us at giving@imperial.ac.uk. To find out more about giving to Imperial College London, please visit www.imperial.ac.uk/giving.
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