We are truly grateful for every gift that is made to Sidney. Every pound that is donated is used to make a positive impact on the life of the College and the future of our students.
Discover how philanthropy makes a transformative difference by reading our 2023-24 Impact Report.
Research Fellow in Biology
"I am a cell biologist focused on understanding the principles driving early embryonic development in mammals. Early human development is highly error-prone, with only a third of conceptions leading to live births, and our molecular understanding of these losses is limited. I use proteomics, transcriptomics, and live cell microscopy to uncover factors contributing to healthy embryo formation.
Since joining Sidney, I’ve identified novel molecular factors that seem to protect embryos from day one. Over the next three years, I aim to define these protective mechanisms, which could improve in vitro fertilization outcomes. My work has attracted interest from an IVF company, resulting in a large grant to acquire a light sheet microscope for monitoring embryonic development. I’ve also received funding from the European Molecular Biology Organisation and a travel grant for biophysics training in the US.”
History PhD
"Receiving this scholarship has profoundly impacted my academic journey. Originally from Zimbabwe, I completed my undergraduate and MA degrees in Politics, International Relations, and History at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, before pursuing a PhD in History at Sidney. My current research is a gender and women’s history of the railways in colonial Zimbabwe, and it challenges dominant male-centred historical narratives by highlighting the overlooked contributions and experiences of African women with one of the most important technologies of its time.
This scholarship has granted me the freedom to fully dedicate myself to my studies and enhanced my experience in Cambridge by enabling me to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that have enriched my education in a truly holistic way. My summer internship in Sidney’s Development and Alumni Relations Office enhanced my understanding of the fundraising mechanisms that underpin scholarships like mine. It has sparked a desire within me to support initiatives that empower others to realize their dreams, just as I have been fortunate enough to realize mine.
To future scholarship recipients, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity and immerse yourself in the College community. These experiences will shape you in ways that go beyond academics, preparing you for the challenges ahead."
Natural Sciences undergraduate
"I spent two weeks at Laniado Hospital in Netanya, Israel, shadowing in the labour and delivery ward, NICU, and operating theatres. I observed various procedures, including caesarean sections, external cephalic versions, and surgeries ranging from ENT to orthopaedics. I also worked with the NICU team, learning about conditions such as Holt-Oram syndrome and witnessing the care of premature infants. A chance meeting with Dr Zvi Israel in Jerusalem allowed me to observe neurosurgery at Hadassah Hospital. This experience deeply enriched my passion for Medicine and will motivate me throughout my career as a doctor." ." Recipient of a Research and Professional Experience Grant
Alumni and friends who make a gift to Sidney during the financial year (1 July – 30 June) are recognised in the College’s Impact Report, and on our annual donor board which is displayed by the Mong Hall.
The 1596 Foundation helps us express our appreciation to the valued group of core supporters (individuals and institutions) who have each given over £25,000.
Membership is by election and lasts a lifetime. Foundation members are recognised in the College Annual and invited to a dedicated 1596 Foundation event each year.
The Master’s Circle recognises the extraordinary generosity of major donors to Sidney Sussex College.
Membership of the Master's Circle is by invitation only; members have all made a minimum donation to the College of £100,000. They are invited to the annual Master’s Circle event and other VIP receptions, including the 1596 event. Members’ names are listed in the College Annual.
Donors who give over £500,000 are eligible to be considered for a Montagu Fellowship. This gives them the same entitlements as Honorary Fellows, including dining privileges and invitations to special College feasts.
Montagu Fellows also receive University recognition through the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle, which honours people who have given over £250,000.
The Lady Frances Sidney Circle recognises and thanks supporters who have mentioned Sidney in their will. We are honoured to invite members of the Circle to a dedicated annual event to express our gratitude, and we celebrate their support in our annual Impact Report.
This was launched in 1998 to honour the generosity of major benefactors of over £1 million to the University and the Colleges. Members’ names are recorded on the Benefactors’ Staircase in the Old Schools, the historic heart of the University and are invited to the annual Guild of Benefactors Dinner each March.
