Your Impact in 2025

Helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Thanks to £222,502 raised for the Nottingham Potential scholarships programme, 222 new talented students from all backgrounds were able to say ‘yes’ to their university place this academic year. Your support for scholarships means bright and determined students can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

A scholarship is often so much more than just financial help. For many of our students who receive a scholarship it's a vote of confidence, peace of mind and an opportunity to focus on their studies. The scholarship gives them the chance to enjoy university life to its fullest.

As a reminder of the difference you make, we spoke to scholarship recipient Megan Smith. You can read her story here.

“The scholarship money means that I don’t have to work evenings and weekends whilst at university, helping me to get the most out of my degree, and to maintain work-life balance. Without the scholarship money, I would either not be at university following my dream or I would simply be overworked, and disadvantaged," said Megan.

Overall, 950 students were supported by donor funded scholarships, bursaries and prizes in 2024/25, thanks to an incredible £1.2 million donated by supporters just like you. Thank you.

Giving Day 2025

November saw us holding our fourth Giving Day. This an opportunity for alumni and supporters around the globe to come together across 36 hours to raise as much money as possible for three incredible causes – scholarships for disadvantaged students, medical research and student mental health. Alumni representing graduation years from 1951 to 2025 stepped forward to celebrate what makes our university so special.

In total £79,425 was raised by 383 donors from around the world, including Iceland, Brazil and Taiwan. Even better, the total continues to climb and we’re closing in on our goal of 400 donors. The donation page will be open until January and if we get 17 more donors we’ll be able to unlock an additional £7,000 to be split across the three causes.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to making Giving Day such a success.

Where the Need is Greatest – International Research Collaboration Fund (IRCF)

Donations to the Where the Need is Greatest fund contribute towards a range of different projects across the university. This year, £50,000 supported 26 projects across five faculties as part of the International Research Collaboration Fund.

Some examples of the projects funded include:

• Wildfire Risk: Applying novel methodologies from Australia to tinderbox forests in Greece
• Engineering Innovation: Establishing a network on FRP-strengthened concrete structures at high temperatures
• Biomedical Advances: Developing receptor ligands and protein inhibitors

Following the funding, a number of projects were able to secure successful grants from external providers, including £262,000 from the Korean Institute of Applied Energy and £31,000 from the UK Department of Science. Donations to the Where the Need is Greatest Fund help innovative projects take their first steps, which can ultimately unlock further funding which result in world-changing breakthroughs.

Where the Need is Greatest – The Global Exchange Lounge at Jubilee Campus

Thanks to donations from supporters, the university has launched a vibrant new space at the heart of Jubilee campus: the Global Exchange Lounge (GEL) - a student-first space aiming to connect cultures, build community and bring students from all backgrounds together.

Located on the ground floor of the Exchange Building, the space – including the name – has been shaped by student voices and built to be a place to relax, meet others and build friendships.

It was born out of real conversations with students, especially international students, who wanted more opportunities to socialise and feel part of campus life.

The Global Exchange Lounge is a home for culture, connection and community. Students can find:

• A space to relax – no pressure, no expectations, be social or just chill.
• A place to connect – meet people from around the world.
• Cultural exchange – share traditions, stories and food from around the world.
• Events and socials – use this space for society socials or other student-led activities.
• Support and guidance – a staff member will be on hand if you need help or support.

Over the coming year, the space will be evolving based on student feedback and ideas. Thanks to your donations, this will be a vital space for students to connect with the university and their peers.