University donors crucial to nurture future talent – Brian Cox

Physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox has spoken of the “critical” importance of philanthropy in supporting talented young people to go to university and fulfil their potential.

The University of Manchester professor, who has inspired a generation of young scientists through his BBC ‘Wonders of …’ series, says that donations from university alumni can make a huge impact on the prospects of future stduents.

He said: “As a supporter of the Manchester Access Programme, I have seen personally how a relatively small amount of money can make a real difference in helping kids from disadvantaged backgrounds make the decision to go to university.

“Just knowing that there is financial support for them can make a huge difference in helping them feel safe and comfortable in taking on the undoubted cost that a university education now entails.

“That small encouragement is critical… a little push can make the difference between someone choosing to go to university or not. And that makes a terrific impact on their future life, their professional life, and their earning potential. But it also makes a difference to their confidence, aspirations and intellectual wellbeing far beyond university.”

Professor Cox’s comments come after taking part in the University of Manchester’s recent Philanthropy Day, where he was quizzed on stage by three students on the importance of charitable donations to the University.

Speaking in front of an audience of nearly 600 people, PhD student Nick Dann, undergraduate Rebecca Hardman and Oldham College sixth-form student Bilal Chishti, posed a variety of questions to the celebrity scientist, addressing issues that included funding for postgraduate students and the role higher education should play in reducing social inequality in the local community.

The discussion formed part of a day of events to celebrate the impact of philanthropy across the University, which began with behind-the-scenes tours of the University’s cultural assets – The Whitworth, Manchester Museum and the John Rylands Library – all of which benefit from significant donor support. Guests also got a sneak preview of the new National Graphene Institute, which will be another beneficiary of alumni gifts when it is fully operational later this year.

Chris Cox, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, said: “The generosity of our donors is so often the positive tipping point when outstanding potential students are making decisions about university. Those decisions affect the rest of their lives. Both the University and all of the students lucky enough to benefit are hugely grateful.”

Scholarship student Becky Hardman added: “I never thought I would go to university, as I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my abilities at school. I’m from a working-class family and neither of my parents had been to university, so it just wasn’t talked about as an opportunity at home.

“It’s difficult to succinctly express my gratitude to the donors who sponsor scholarships: the scholarship I received has made a huge difference to my confidence and to my studies. Without it, I don’t think I could have attended university and my options for the future would have been limited.”

Ends

Notes for editors

Watch the video of Professor Brian Cox talking about philanthropy.

For further information contact:

Aeron Haworth
Senior Media Relations Officer
The University of Manchester

Tel: 0161 275 8387
Mob: 07717 881563
Email: aeron.haworth@manchester.ac.uk