HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
The impact of your support
Collaboration for the Classics
This past year, thanks to the generous support of the A. G. Leventis Foundation, we have been able to expand international dialogue between Classics scholars, forging new connections and bringing fresh perspectives to the field.
The Institute of Classical Studies (ICS) secured funding from the A. G. Leventis Foundation, enabling the transportation of duplicate volumes from the ICS library to the Department of Classics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. These books, focusing on Cypriot and Greek antiquity, will boost the academic resources of the University, the only Classics department in Nigeria and the preeminent research hub for Classics across West Africa. They will also increase library capacity at the ICS, which is much needed to support researchers’ needs and gaps in knowledge.
Professor Olakunbi Olasope, Professor of Classics at the University of Ibadan, said:
“This invaluable addition to our library will greatly enhance our research. It is heartening to see such generosity, and I am confident this will generate new ideas, collaborations and discoveries.”
Completing a landmark in legal history
In May 2024, we were thrilled to celebrate the publication of Arbitration and Mediation in Nineteenth-Century England, the final volume and culmination of study into the history of arbitration by Professor Derek Roebuck, former Senior Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS). The final volume of this landmark series, completed by Dr Francis Boorman and Dr Rhiannon Markless after the sad passing of Professor Roebuck in 2020, has only been possible thanks to the unwavering support and generous donations of our community.
Professor Derek Roebuck
Professor Derek Roebuck
An incredible £182,000 has been raised toward the final volume, guaranteeing its publication and securing the intellectual legacy of Professor Roebuck.
Over the 20 years the study was in development, it has long been associated with IALS and adds a significant academic resource to the Institute's library. The publication of the final volume was marked by a prestigious launch event on 9 May, a perfect opportunity to once again thank every donor and supporter who made this landmark publication possible.
Powering the advancement of human rights
The power of philanthropy is in its ability to go beyond the individual. This year, the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust has generously supported two students studying on the MA Understanding and Securing Human Rights programme at the School of Advanced Study.
The scholarships are vital to students, enabling them to more fully participate in university life and complete their studies without financial anxiety, which can be a significant barrier to success. It’s the start of their career journey, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to build a more positive future for themselves and those they will help.
Beyond and through the individuals, the scholarships are creating a deeper and far-reaching positive impact. One scholarship recipient said: “The scholarship has allowed me to fully engage with every aspect of the course without financial stress. I seized the opportunity to intern with Peace Brigades International, a prominent NGO in human rights advocacy. I also had the chance to interview human rights defenders from Colombia, which deepened my understanding of the risks faced by land and environmental defenders. The scholarship has enabled me to focus entirely on gaining these valuable experiences, which have sharpened my passion and commitment to defending human rights globally.”
We’re incredibly grateful to the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust for their support, and look forward to charting the positive impact their scholars have on the world.
Holden Lecture explores fascinating political history collection
2024 marked 20 years of continued generosity that has formed one of Senate House Library’s most expansive and intriguing collections. Donated by Ron Heisler, the Heisler Collection is an extraordinary body of close to 50,000 books, journals, newspapers, archives, pamphlets, and more, focused on the cultural impact and interpretation of labour, left-wing politics, and radical political movements.
The collection was the subject of the Library’s Holden Lecture on 14 November 2023, which was the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ron and his extraordinary generosity.
The Lecture, which is held annually, convened an esteemed panel of experts including Ron himself, talking through his motivations for collecting, and the wider significance of the collection. The panel discussion explored new approaches to understanding the history of radical movements, ideas, texts and objects. The collection, and Ron’s long-standing relationship with the University, epitomises philanthropy – not only through the subject matter of the texts, but through Ron’s continued generosity and the civic service it speaks to.
Watch a recording of the Lecture.
To find out more about how you can support any of the University’s projects, please email us at: philanthropy@london.ac.uk
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