Pioneers for Change

Over 50 years ago, with the support of companies, trusts and individuals, our founders had the vision and ambition to create the right environment and provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to benefit from a university education. Our ambition is still as strong.

In 2016 we launched our first £50 million fundraising campaign, 'Pioneers for Change'. The first 12 months of the Campaign have seen us take some major strides to delivering some exciting projects, and we are exceptionally grateful to those alumni, trusts and companies that are a shining light. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, friends and supporters, we have made huge in-roads into our £50 million target with a further £8.9 million to raise by 2020.

What we have achieved so far

In the past year, the first postgraduate students have commenced their studies at Aston Medical School; and over 100 schoolchildren from less advantaged local areas are now registered on the Sir Doug Ellis Pathway to Healthcare programme that will prepare them for a career in medicine. We have founded an exciting virtual reality laboratory that will assist our research of brain trauma, stroke rehabilitation and other areas. In 2017, we awarded more alumni scholarships than ever before; however, there is still so much to do.

Next steps

With your support, we will create new facilities for the Students' Union and the Aston Medical School that will enhance campus. We will deliver new pioneering research projects, create more scholarships to support those ambitious students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and we will support more student start up companies. Play a part on this journey and help Aston make a significant and lasting difference to those around us.

Make your gift and become a pioneer for change

Contact us

If you have any questions or comments about Aston University’s Pioneers for Change campaign, please email us at pioneers@aston.ac.uk or call us on 0121 204 4577.