Giving

Giving to Biology

The future of Biology at Oxford is supported by generous donations, which help to support our research, teaching, and infrastructure.

The Department of Biology is entering a new era, one defined by deeper discovery and greater collaboration. In the twenty-first century our planet is facing unprecedented challenges – but our world-leading science, combined with your support, puts us on the path to solving them.

Biology at Oxford has always been globally recognised for its excellence in both teaching and research. This year we are thrilled to be launching a new framework that brings our strengths into sharper focus: five dynamic research hubs, spanning the full breadth of the life sciences and designed to encourage innovation and impact across disciplines.

At this pivotal moment in our history we invite you to join us on this journey.

Support larger projects

Your gift could help to transform our research and teaching. For example, by supporting an academic post, donors enable us to recruit the most brilliant biologists from around the world, while funding a graduate scholarship enables talented students to study at Oxford who may not otherwise have the means to do so. If you would like to discuss what a donation or legacy could do or to visit and see the impact of philanthropy, please get in touch.

Support smaller projects

Every gift makes a difference. Donations to the Department of Biology General Fund provide flexible support where it is needed most. From supporting outreach activities to providing equipment and seed funding for innovative projects, unrestricted gifts allow us to make an immediate impact across the department. By joining with other donors through the General Fund, you can ensure that Oxford Biology continues to thrive.

Support graduate students

Teaching and nurturing the next generation of scientists are, as ever, a vital part of our mission. For our DPhil students, scholarships are financial lifelines that enable brilliant minds from all backgrounds to contribute to science without barrier. Donor support ensures that Oxford can remain a place where potential, not privilege, determines opportunity.

Support undergraduate fieldwork

Fieldwork is a cornerstone of the Oxford Biology teaching experience. Whether they’re exploring the complex ecosystems of Wytham Woods or undertaking global expeditions, our students benefit hugely from opportunities that connect theory with the natural world. Our fieldwork fund will help make sure that all students can access support when required throughout their degree, whatever their background or financial status.

Support digitisation of the herbaria

The Oxford University Herbaria bring together over one million plant specimens from around the world, including more than 35,000 type specimens, some dating back to the 17th century and spanning nearly all plant groups and global regions. Recent digitisation efforts, generously supported by donors are expanding access to these collections for researchers and the public worldwide. Continued philanthropic support will be essential to complete this work and unlock the full potential of Oxford’s botanical treasures.

Support the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative

The world urgently needs guidance on how to work with nature, as part of nature, in a way that not only helps to address the root causes of the environmental crises we face but also supports thriving social and ecological communities globally. We are seeking philanthropic and investment partners to help us grow this work in a way that centres equity, care for the web of life, and respect for diverse knowledge systems. 

Support the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU)

The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit was founded in 1986 by Professor David Macdonald and it combines empirical field research with conservation actions rooted in sound science, advising environmental management and policy.