Our fundraising priorities

The natural forces of our oceans drive weather systems, regulate land temperatures and ensure our survival. They provide water, food, oxygen and energy. Yet destroyed underwater ecosystems threaten our marine species, while warming waters lead to more unpredictable and powerful storms. 

Founded as a school of navigation in 1862, the University of Plymouth is a pioneer in marine and maritime research. Our coastal city’s unique natural assets present an ideal scientific environment for the development of solutions that benefit the world. 

Our teams were the first to describe the presence of microplastics in our oceans, inspiring a new field of academic enquiry and global policy change, including taxes on plastic carrier bags and a UK ban on microbeads. Our work has significantly improved how to forecast extreme coastal events and their impact on communities. We were also the first to study the ecological effects of ocean acidification, and now lead the UK agenda for offshore renewable energy. 

Philanthropy is critical to further expand the reach and impact of our world-leading marine research .

The pandemic, an ageing population and a rise in chronic conditions mean that our health and care systems in the UK and worldwide are facing the biggest challenge of our lifetime.

At the University of Plymouth, our teams take advantage of our co-location and partnership with the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Our Derriford Research Facility, located adjacent to the hospital, is home to medical and biomedical experts conducting research into areas such as infection and immunity, neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumours and antimicrobial resistance. 

We are also leading the development of potentially the first new antibiotic in 30 years and the first COVID-19 vaccines for the animal population. Adding to our first-class facilities, a new Brain Research and Imaging Centre will include the most advanced MRI scanner in the region.

The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated inequalities, locally, nationally and internationally. 

In Plymouth and our region, this will continue to play out socially and economically, and in people’s health and access to education. Our local city is one of the most deprived areas of the UK, with two areas among the most impoverished 1% of England. 

Against this backdrop, the University of Plymouth is determined to build on our role as an anchor institution for our city and wider region, leading the post-pandemic recovery. With philanthropic support, we will continue our efforts to break down barriers to university education from low participation families and neighbourhoods, including communities across Devon and Cornwall. We will also ensure people from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the health care, legal support and essential services they need to thrive.