Stories of philanthropic impact

A new QUT-US research partnership aims to develop a proof-of-concept for drought resistant bioenergy crops within five years that could lead to our greater use of renewable fuels.

When the Australian Government Department of Health wanted to create a public awareness campaign about immunisation, it partnered with the Academy. Together, the organisations designed a public health message with impact, distributed to an audience of millions.

Recently the Academy received two bequests – one was directed to a specific activity where the donor had intimate knowledge and commitment to the Academy’s education programs. The other was directed to the Australian Futures Science Fund which supports the future work at the Academy as prioritised by Council.

A bequest is a special gift; a wonderful opportunity to ensure that the Academy remains a part of the lives of future generations.

When microbiologist Professor Nancy Millis passed away in September 2012, some of her colleagues at the University of Melbourne came up with the idea that, by donating sufficient funds, they would enable a medal to be struck in her honour—and thus began the Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science.

A special opportunity was made during Science at the Shine Dome for the donors to the following awards to meet the 2015 recipients of those awards: Ruth Stephens Gani Medal, Gustav Nossal Medal, Jacques Miller Medal, Moran Medal and Anton Hales Medal.

A major donation from Dr Maxwell Day AO FAA, is being used to establish the annual Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award of up to $20 000, which will help PhD students or early-career researchers meet costs associated with their research or to supplement PhD scholarships.