The Alumni and Friends Fund Grant remains a vital source of support for the exceptional work of our staff and students, helping to support projects that enrich the University community and enhance the student experience. Thanks to the continued generosity of our amazing supporter community, 17 remarkable initiatives have received funding this year. Each one is a testament to the powerful impact of alumni and friends coming together to give back. In this second instalment, we’re excited to spotlight more of this year’s funded projects—brilliant examples of how your support is creating meaningful change.
Find out more about our first four projects here!
The Toddler Science Club
The Toddler Science Club is a new outreach initiative connecting University of Liverpool students with local families through fun, hands-on learning. Supported by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) public engagement team, the club delivers themed science sessions at Everton in the Community, introducing toddlers to topics linked to FHLS research such as “Our Body,” “Animals,” and “Our World.” Activities include messy play, crafts, and stories, ending with a mini “graduation” for young participants. Funding supports materials, books, student travel, and toddler aprons—making science accessible, engaging, and memorable for the next generation of learners.
“Thank you so much for funding this project, which we are excited to begin working on. This project is an opportunity to build a relationship with an organisation doing valuable work in the local area (Everton in the Community), to reach an audience underserved by current Faculty outreach activities and inspire a new generation of mini scientists!”
Rowing Club
The University’s Rowing Club, with over 80 active members, is undertaking a vital equipment upgrade to support current and future crews. The project will replace speaker systems—including wiring and components—in four coxed boats (two 4+ and two 8+). These systems are essential for coxswains to effectively communicate with rowers and monitor performance, particularly in competitive and variable weather conditions. Thanks to funding from the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, the club will benefit from reliable, high-quality equipment that ensures safe, coordinated training and racing for years to come, enhancing the experience for all members.
“We would like to thank the Alumni and Friends Fund for supporting our project. We are very excited to be able to order the parts we need and fit them into our boats.
This new equipment will benefit our members, improve safety, hopefully increase the number of coxes within our club, as well as improve the reliability of our equipment.”
LASER
The Liverpool Association for Space Engineering and Research (LASER) is expanding student involvement in space innovation through two hands-on projects: the Rocket Team and Rover Team. These groups offer students the chance to design, build, and compete in prestigious national competitions, including UKSEDS and the MARS Rover Trials. With funding from the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, the teams will purchase essential materials, electronics, and licences required for entry. The initiative promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, technical skill development, and industry engagement, strengthening the University’s reputation as a leader in space engineering education.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Alumni and Friends Fund supporters for your generosity and commitment to enhancing the student experience. Your support empowers us to turn our aspirations into reality”
Beyond EARTH
The Beyond EARTH project connects student and staff communities to deliver two impactful initiatives benefiting the University and local schools. In collaboration with the School of Environmental Sciences (SoES) Gardening Club, the team is creating raised beds featuring plants linked to ancient technologies, enhancing the South Campus environment. The main initiative, You are ACE, is a partnership between the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (ACE) and the Crosby Hall Educational Trust. Through hands-on excavation experiences and follow-up school visits, primary pupils are introduced to archaeology and university life—culminating in a cap and gown ceremony celebrating them as honorary junior members of ACE.
“The commitment of the Alumni and Friends to support meaningful projects here at the University should inspire our students to come together as a community to make ambitious plans to change the world one small project at a time.”
Liverpool University Canoe Club (LUCC)
Liverpool University Canoe Club (LUCC) is committed to promoting inclusivity in canoe polo, ensuring that women, men, and non-binary players all feel supported and safe. Thanks to funding from the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, the club will purchase essential new kit—including buoyancy aids and spray decks—in a range of fits and sizes. This equipment is not only vital for safety and performance at BUCS events, but also helps address barriers in the sport, where ill-fitting kit can limit participation. The upgrade will support equal opportunities across the club while enhancing its competitive presence.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to the supporters of the Alumni and Friends Fund. Without your generous donations, our club would not be able to facilitate a safe and inclusive space for all our members. Your support helps to improve club facilities so we may include and welcome more people to an amazing sport.”
Women’s Rugby League
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The University of Liverpool’s independent Women’s Rugby League team has grown significantly in recent years, now competing nationally in the Winter University Rugby League against teams such as Manchester, Leeds, and Northumbria. Alongside weekly training and matches, the team actively engages in charity work, including a major fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust. Funding from the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant will support travel to away fixtures in the 2024–25 season. Crucially, continued participation supports the national momentum to recognise Women’s Rugby League as a BUCS sport, benefiting not just Liverpool but university teams across the UK.
“This funding is an amazing opportunity that is going to benefit our team and society for not only this season, but seasons to come. We cannot thank Alumni and Friends Fund supporters enough for granting us this funding and allowing us to progress and develop further as a team!”
Other projects supported by the grant this year:
- Trampolining Club: Thanks to Alumni and Friends Fund support, the Trampolining Club has enhanced accessibility, improved training, and is preparing to host a regional competition, promoting inclusion, growth, and student opportunity.
- Tropical Modernism: designing for the Global South: With Alumni and Friends Fund support, Architecture students travelled to Ghana for a new tropical design studio—gaining hands-on experience in climate-responsive architecture through the department’s first undergraduate West Africa trip.
- Law Clinic Student Leadership Project: With support from the Alumni and Friends Fund, Liverpool Law Clinic is launching a leadership programme—empowering student volunteers through expert training, mentoring, and networking while strengthening its community impact and inclusivity.
- Arion 8: Engineering students are building a record-breaking hand bike for a global speed challenge. Alumni and Friends Fund support is fuelling innovation with essential materials to optimise design, performance, and aerodynamics.
- University of Liverpool Futsal Club: Liverpool Futsal Club is fostering community and inclusion through charity matches, alumni events, and open sessions—grant funding supports venue and referee costs, encouraging wider participation and potential club expansion.
- 2025 Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) conference: The University hosted the SLSA Conference (its first major legal conference in 20 years), with bursaries enabling PGRs to attend, supporting early-career researchers through networking, skill-building, and strengthened socio-legal research capacity.
- Public legal education for stateless people and refugees: Law Clinic students are partnering with UNHCR to develop a citizenship guide for refugees and stateless individuals—bridging a legal information gap while gaining real-world experience in impactful, accessible legal education.
- Improving the Standard of Canvas Course Design: Recent alumni are leading a digital accessibility initiative to enhance Canvas modules, delivering templates, workshops, and awards that support inclusive education and set a gold standard for accessible course design.
- Release Peace: The Magazine: Politics students will write for Release Peace’s global affairs magazine, gaining editorial experience and exposure to influential audiences, supported by funding that also enables a celebration of their achievements. Read the first two articles here! - From Orgreave to Hillsborough: Britain's Institutional Denial and the Killing of Almost 100 People - 93% of Children in Northern Ireland Are Still Kept Separated
- SubAqua: Liverpool University SubAqua Club (LUSAC) is upgrading to safer, industry-standard DIN diving equipment with grant funding, enhancing safety, reducing costs, and supporting club growth by enabling more students to explore underwater adventures confidently.
- IntoUniversity Kirkby Mentors: Funding from the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant covers travel expenses for University students volunteering as mentors at IntoUniversity Kirkby, providing vital academic and emotional support to young people, boosting confidence and aspirations while developing students’ leadership and communication skills.
Thank you once again to our incredible supporter community—your generosity continues to make projects like these possible. We’re excited to share more updates on their progress as the year unfolds!
To find out how you can provide support to Liverpool students, please visit the Student Fund webpage.