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 2024–25 Impact Report.
Stanley Elmore Research Fellow
I was recruited to Sidney as a Stanley Elmore Research Fellow following an online interview process during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The beginning of my Fellowship was peppered with glasses of wine shared in Teams breakout rooms that, despite
the awkwardness, really allowed Sidney’s community to shine.During my research Fellowship, I continued to unpick how the intricate interactions between cells and viruses during infection can dictate host response and help us understand normal cell behaviour. Throughout this time, I have been able to work with teams in Cambridge and across the world to understand controllers of HIV infection in African heritage DNA as well as understanding how viruses express their genes or are prevented from doing so.
Being supported at Sidney to engage in governance and develop new initiatives in education, such as Preparation Week and the Sidney Supervisor Network, allowed me to gain Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and then, this year, a University Assistant Teaching Professor role as Course Director of the MPhil in Translational Medical Research in the Department of Medicine. I run this alongside my continued roles as supervisor, Director of Studies and trustee through my Sidney Fellowship. Being at Sidney has not only enabled me to develop the skills and networks to realise my ambition of securing a University post but has also provided me with access to a wonderful community from which I benefit every day.
1979, Economics - Bursary donor and legacy pledger
When Mike Styles arrived at Sidney in 1970, Cambridge felt a world away from home. One of four children, and having lost his father at 13, Mike came from a family with limited means. As Mike recalls, a small act of generosity changed everything:
“In my first year, a bursary appeared for the sons of widows and widowers from Merseyside, which is where I’m from. It was £200 a year and it made a big difference to my life in Cambridge.”
That support stayed with him, not only in memory but also in spirit. After leaving Cambridge, Mike went on to build a successful career in finance in the City. And while his professional life took him far from home, the impact of that early act of help never left him. When he was later in a position to support others, Mike created a bursary of his own, helping talented students who might otherwise struggle to afford a Cambridge education.
“Somebody did it for me,” he says simply. “So, when I could, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to help someone who’s reasonably bright but doesn’t have much financial firepower?”
Over the years, more than 50 Mike Styles Bursaries have supported numerous Sidney students including Nicola who told us: “I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of the Mike Styles Bursary. When I think about its life‑changing impact, it still makes me emotional.”
“I’m very pleased,” Mike says. “Anyone who’s been to Sidney has benefited in some way. If you have the ability to do something, do it.”
What began as a bursary for students from Merseyside has since widened to include anyone in the UK who needs support – a decision Mike made after learning of a talented student from Bolton who narrowly missed the original criteria.
“I rang the College the next day and said, make it UK‑wide. It’s for anyone who needs help – that’s fine by me.”
Now retired, Mike dedicates much of his time to supporting causes he cares about. He volunteers with Age UK, helping older people navigate increasingly complex utility bills and the frustrations of automated calling systems and digital-only services. He also supports Suited and Booted, a charity that provides suits and coaching to people preparing for job interviews. These practical, hands-on commitments mirror the ethos of his bursary: removing barriers quietly and effectively.
And with a financier’s eye, Mike thinks strategically about his giving in retirement. As he explains,
“Although the primary motive for my bursary is to support today’s undergraduates in the same way that I was helped, as a former finance professional I thought I should point out a couple of tax advantages.”
He goes on to say:
“Some retirees see their tax code fall because the State Pension uses up their tax‑free allowance. Donating through Gift Aid can help restore it.”
He also offers a practical tip for those thinking about their Wills:
“If 10% or more of your estate is left to charity, your inheritors’ tax rate falls to 36% from 40%. Sidney is one of the charities named in my Will.”
Asked to describe the experience of giving in one sentence, Mike calls it,
“Uplifting! My chance to repay Sidney for what it did for me.”
And his hopes for the future?
“Wouldn’t it be great if one of my recipients found a cure for cancer? But really, it’s about more than that. If they have fun, grow and come out of Sidney as well‑rounded individuals, that’s good enough for me.”
Chemical Engineering & Biotech Undergraduate - Research and Professional Experience Grant recipient
Through the project, I gained technical experience in performing cell cultures, conducting electronic impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements, and analysing data using MATLAB. Crucially, through this opportunity, I also learned about the importance of being organised and meticulous in the planning and collection of experimental data, and how to be critical when evaluating results. I will be attending an upcoming biosensors conference by the Institute of Physics to present my work. On a personal front, as well, this experience became a strong insight into the breadth available within personalised medicine, a growing passion of mine, reaffirming my commitment to pursuing it further in my studies.
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.
