2020 Impact Report

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Impact Report 2020 Life changing experiences

Your support.

Our stories.

Their success.

Passion with purpose

Shaping the world

Impact Report

2020

Impact Report 2020

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Contents

Ready for life and work

Ready for life and work........................... 2

RMIT University exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and engagement.

Vice-Chancellor’s message ................... 3

Life changing experiences Make it Matter...................................................... 5

Your generous support has enabled RMIT to bring this vision to life over the past five years. As 2020 sees RMIT face new and compelling challenges, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on the impact of your generosity in empowering us to offer life-changing experiences and shape the world.

Over the last five years RMIT has focused on three strategic directions.

Student hardship appeal ................................ 7

Life-changing experiences

A transformational gift .................................... 8

RMIT is dedicated to creating life-changing educational experiences for all students from all backgrounds and offering connected pathways between life, work and learning, supporting people to personalise the education that will best meet their needs. RMIT’s work is also life-changing in its focus on designing better solutions in the wider world: building a more innovative and sustainable economy, improving energy and water systems, building safer, more resilient cities, redesigning justice and youth services, and forging new paths in fields from architecture to engineering.

Passion with purpose

RMIT’s response to COVID-19 ..................... 6

Passion with purpose

Shaping the world

Life changing experiences

2019 by the numbers............................... 4

The Capitol..........................................................12

An empowering legacy .................................. 9 A history of giving back ...............................10 The right climate to make a difference............................................. 11

Shaping the world A global alumni community....................... 13 Bacteria shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs................... 14 Meet our global scholars..............................15

Passion with purpose RMIT’s staff and partners are fundamental to achieving our mission, we support our people to build on their passions and pursue our shared goals: life-changing student experiences, research, and innovation that shape the world for the better.

Shaping the world We shape the world by developing knowledge and people, and by applying what we know to shared problems through collaborative innovation and research. RMIT pursues these goals through a global network of students, staff, facilities and partnerships. Industry and enterprise are embedded in everything we do.

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Community is at the heart of it all Thank you for being part of RMIT’s philanthropic family, your support is even more important to us as we navigate through these difficult times.

Within weeks of the pandemic reaching our shores, we were teaching, learning and conducting research remotely, drawing on years of digital development and expertise. We’ve also been playing our role through the crisis, right at the frontline. We’re training the workforce, delivering expertise and our researchers and experts are generating crisis response and innovating for the future. Meanwhile, our focus on delivering lifechanging experiences for our students, shaping the world through research and unleashing our people’s passion with purpose, has not missed a beat.

It’s often during the darkest days we learn what it really means to support each other. I’ve been so proud of the many ways our community has been there for each other, and so grateful for the generosity which abounds.

Many of you donated to support our students through hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. On their behalves, I want to acknowledge the difference you made.

Remembering the year that was, I’d like to recognise the $1 million Cedar Pacific gift that will offer 10 accommodation scholarships each year for three years to Indigenous students at UniLodge Royal Melbourne.

Also, my thanks for your many contributions to the Capitol appeal which raised in excess of $1.4 million and concluded with the unveiling of our donor wall at an event attended by more than 300 donors.

Your generosity also continues to sustain scholarships that both inspire and empower some exceptional students to achieve their dreams and transform their futures. In 2019 we received 17,984 applications and awarded 2,144 scholarships. We also signed an agreement to be the exclusive Victorian partner of the Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship, offering seven $15,000 scholarships a year to commencing students in perpetuity.

I want to thank you again for the support you provide.

Together, we’re making a difference in communities where life has become more complex than ever before.

I hope you’re as proud as I am of our joint efforts, our contribution to the world and our determination to change lives for many decades to come.

Martin Bean CBE Vice-Chancellor and President

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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2019 by the numbers

Over 500 donors to The Capitol What you supported in 2019

71

2,144

scholarships awarded – from 17,984 applications

Trusts and Foundations supported RMIT research projects

1,427

155

201

43

alumni volunteered their time at RMIT

6%

Projects

4%

3%

Physical and Cultural Gifts

The Capitol

RMIT research projects funded

staff donors

of our donors are RMIT Alumni

72%

15%

Scholarships and Prizes

Research

RMIT Vietnam 2019

RMIT Singapore Alumni

Celebrating 20 years

50,000+ alumni

1,098

213

event participants

alumni mentors

20th anniversary

81

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of RMIT Vietnam in 2020

alumni contributed to university activities

students supported through the duration of their studies by scholarships (since 2015)

Representing 1% of the total population of Singapore, and 11% of the total RMIT Alumni population

of the Singapore Alumni chapter

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Thank you for choosing to Make it Matter in 2019 by supporting our students in pursuing their dreams.

Mental health and wellbeing

Where students would normally be able to visit a safe space on campus during the exam period, the RUSU team got creative and went digital, introducing the Virtual Calm Zone, a site designed to give students a range of strategies and activities to cope with the stress of studying through this difficult time.

Life changing experiences

Thanks to your generosity, the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) was able to supply food and care packages to over 400 students, supporting them through the transition to online exams. They were also able to move their Stress Less Week activities online, offering interactive events, and providing a range of tips and tricks to get through assessments.

Vocational education support

“I would like to thank the donors of this scholarship. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as a recipient. I am currently studying a Diploma of Nursing. I plan to pursue a career in nursing and hopefully in midwifery too. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to my goal.”

Thank you for supporting our ‘Tech N Tools’ fund which has enabled 30 Vocational Education students to secure the key materials required to complete their studies, including Mohammad who is studying a Diploma of Visual Arts.

“I need to buy expensive equipment for my art classes such as painting and print-making. Having the proper equipment for my classes will make it easier for me to gain all the knowledge and skills l need to succeed as an artist in the future.”

Shaping the world

Tech N Tools

Passion with purpose

Your support of Vocational Education Scholarships has helped remove the financial pressure experienced by disadvantaged students, allowing them to focus on their studies to succeed in life and work. Meet Lindsey, who is currently studying a Diploma of Nursing and received a Vocational Education Scholarship in 2020.

“The food packages were really great and super helpful, especially in times like these when it is hard to get things for ourselves and during exam period. Thank you so much!”

Impact Report 2020

Make it Matter

RMIT’s response to COVID-19

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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Bachelor of Fashion Design Honours student, Lauren Hart McKinnon, sewing masks at RMIT.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, RMIT remains committed to supporting our students, staff and valued partners. We are proud of the way our global community has come together to respond to this crisis through collaborative research, innovation and best-in-class learning and teaching, and have shared some of these inspiring examples below.

As part of RMIT’s coordinated research response, RMIT fashion and textiles experts designed a new style of protective face mask for healthcare workers. The staff and student team has sewn 100 of the prototype masks for testing as part of a Federal Government initiative to meet potential shortages in safety gear during the pandemic.

One of the students who answered the call to help is Bachelor of Fashion Design Honours student, Lauren Hart McKinnon.

“It’s been nice to be productive in a situation that can seem so far out of our control, even if it’s only a small contribution.

There are healthcare workers out there putting in ridiculous hours to keep people alive through this so putting in a few days’ work to make these masks feels like the least I could do to help.”

RMIT engineers at the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct (AMP) worked in partnership with the BioFab3D lab at St Vincent’s Hospital on 3D printing 3,000 face shields to protect clinicians from airborne particles that carry the virus.

AMP Director, Professor Milan Brandt, said, “We immediately understood the vital role of protective equipment in helping Australian healthcare workers get through this challenging time and have pulled out all the stops for an urgent response on this.”

RMIT’s Health Transformation Lab partnered with Australian social enterprise MediStays in March, to launch a critical new accommodation service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative connects patients, families and health workers, who need to self-isolate, with dedicated and discounted self-isolation accommodation close to hospitals around the country.

RMIT ABC Fact Check also launched Corona Check, an email newsletter to share the latest in fact-checking from around the world in relation to the coronavirus.

In addition to the above initiatives, our researchers, led by Kylie Quinn, have been working with collaborators at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences to develop a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine tailored to older individuals.

RMIT’s Paul Spithill with a batch of the 3D printed plastic face shield frames.

The RMIT chaplaincy service, in partnership with the Parliament of Victoria and the community at St Peter’s Eastern Hill, is also providing fresh and frozen meals to students financially impacted by COVID-19.

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Impact Report 2020 Life changing experiences

Student Hardship Appeal update

“Thank you very, very much.

I was so stressed and overwhelmed, you helped so much, exactly when I needed it.”

Recipient of Student Hardship grant May 2020

The kindness and support of our donors and alumni has enabled RMIT to award more than 8,000 grants to students in need. Many of our donors remember the transformational impact of their RMIT experience on their lives and want to provide others with the same opportunity to gain life-changing education.

“I am grateful for the education I received as an international student at RMIT, which has allowed me to be where I am today.

I’m giving back for the students who are doing it tough right now.”

Onisha Patel RMIT Alumnus and Donor

Thank you for your continued support. Your generosity ensures we continue to provide students with the help and resources needed to succeed in their lifelong learning journey.

Shaping the world

To meet these needs, RMIT expanded its existing Student Hardship Assistance and Equity Scholarship Funds to provide up to $15 million in immediate, additional support for international and domestic students impacted by COVID-19. These funds helped our students access the support and resources needed to successfully continue their studies.

Passion with purpose

Thank you to our generous RMIT community for your heartfelt response to our Student Hardship Appeal. Many students have faced significant challenges due to the impact of COVID-19, resulting in an increased need for financial support.

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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“It’s reassuring to know that I have a home away from home.”

Ariana Kikkert

A transformational gift A generous gift from student accommodation developer Cedar Pacific is providing accommodation scholarships to Indigenous students at UniLodge Royal Melbourne.

The $1 million gift has provided 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with scholarship support for up to three consecutive years, covering accommodation as well as pastoral care and support to complete their studies.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) student Ariana Kikkert said the scholarship had empowered her to take a big leap and move interstate from regional Tasmania in pursuit of her passion.

“I can’t think of a better custodian than RMIT and we wish our students the very best and look forward to following their development with great interest.”

Cedar Pacific was established by Pamoja Capital, an investment firm founded by John McCall MacBain. As part of its portfolio, Pamoja Capital manages the funds for the McCall MacBain Foundation.

“It’s reassuring to know that I have a home away from home.

This scholarship is a true aid and makes me feel as though it is not just myself being supported, but also my family.

The Foundation focuses on supporting education and scholarships, climate change and environment, and health, and to date has committed over $400 million to initiatives supporting these focus areas.

“Life at UniLodge Royal Melbourne has been even better than I’d expected and I’ve been quick to meet fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other residents who, like me, are just starting their university journey.”

The UniLodge Indigenous Accommodation Scholarships are designed to support students to pursue further education, and encourage personal and professional wellbeing and growth.

Tomas Johnsson, Chief Executive Officer of UniLodge Australia said university years were exceptionally formative, both for academic advancement and personal growth, and UniLodge was privileged to play a part in the journey of so many students.

The first scholarships were awarded this year to students from a number of disciplines including science, engineering, communication, business and fashion. They will continue to be awarded in 2021 and 2022, with funding for the final group concluding in 2024.

“We have always valued our relationship with RMIT and feel that we are strongly aligned in our desire for students to succeed,” he said.

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Deeply passionate about journalism, Charlotte Kahane decided to nurture the future of journalism by creating a legacy at RMIT.

Life changing experiences

Born in 1926 in Lutsk, Western Ukraine, Charlotte emigrated to 1950’s Australia from Germany with her husband Jacob, where she attended RMIT and graduated in journalism in 1978. A stellar career in journalism followed with Charlotte working for the Australian Jewish News, The Australian Journal of Jewish Studies and The Jerusalem Post among others. Charlotte’s commitment to the field of journalism and indeed to the empowerment of the individual through education, resulted in her decision to honor the memory of her husband and her journey at RMIT, by leaving a Bequest in her Will. The Jacob and Charlotte Kahane Scholarship, is a transformational gift offered to journalism students at RMIT.

Passion with purpose

In 2019, the generous scholarship was awarded to Jesse Burns in his final year of study.

“I actually applied for the scholarship in my second year but wasn’t accepted. So I put my head down and through much hard work and dedication felt I was in a better position to receive such a scholarship and applied again.”

The financial support of the scholarship allowed Jesse to focus on his studies and complete placements in his final year. Jesse says “the simple feeling of not having to worry about money” took a weight off his shoulders, which ultimately furthered his commitment to his studies.

Since graduating, Jesse has been working for Nine News in regional Victoria, covering stories for local and Melbourne broadcast. Jesse demonstrates the same passion for journalism as Charlotte.

“I got into the industry to seek justice and ensure people from all walks of life have a voice. For me, it’s not about a position or becoming a news anchor. I simply want to be an impact journalist.”

“I can’t thank the Kahane family enough and I hope there will be a time in the years to come where I can return my gratitude in some way.”

Jesse Burns

For more information on how you can leave a legacy through a bequest, contact us at 03 9925 5220 or giving@rmit.edu.au

Shaping the world

“I’d just like to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this amazing and benevolent gesture,” says Jesse.

“Growing up as a Jew, I have come to understand the importance of community and this scholarship spoke to me about looking towards the future and ensuring that the next generations continue to have opportunities that our grandparents did not.”

Impact Report 2020

An empowering legacy

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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A history of giving back “If you’re able and have the resources to donate to RMIT, now is a time that the need for support couldn’t be greater.”

Professor Tony Dalton

Over his impressive three-decade career at RMIT, Professor Tony Dalton has held teaching, research, student management and senior leadership positions at the University. Through it all, his commitment to supporting students has never wavered.

Tony’s connection to RMIT began in 1967 as an Architecture student with a special interest in built environment social issues.

During this time, Tony also made the generous decision to become a staff donor, showing his support for students in more ways than one.

“There was a subject called ‘the history of planning’ which taught me about the social history of cities, as well as the experiences of those who inhabit them. I found it incredibly interesting, and it inspired me to make the shift into social sciences and public policy around housing and cities.”

Dedicated to helping others not only in his work at RMIT, Tony has advocated for action to combat declining housing affordability and homelessness. He has volunteered with community organisations providing housing support, improved housing policies and offered advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. Tony was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1991 in recognition of service to the community, particularly homeless people.

Tony has supported the RMIT community over the years through teaching students from many undergraduate and post graduate programs, research supervision and research management.

His research accomplishments earned him the notable role of Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation in the College of Design and Social Context, which Tony held until 2010. He then resumed his focus on urban and housing research, teaching students how to do research and research supervision.

“It gave me the flexibility to concentrate on research and teaching again, and I was able to mentor students, which was a fantastic experience and something I am hugely passionate about.”

Tony’s deep connection with RMIT continues today in his current role as an Emeritus Professor in the Centre for Urban Research. It also extends to his family, with his daughter and son-in-law both RMIT Alumni who met as International Studies students.

Reflecting on his decision to become an RMIT donor, Tony was inspired by his experience at the University.

“I’ve had such a good experience at RMIT both as a student and then as an academic, I see it as a way of giving back.

I think RMIT has a history, mission and a commitment to students that’s worth supporting.

If you would like to discuss your giving, please contact us on 03 9925 5220 or giving@rmit.edu.au

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Impact Report 2020

The right climate to make a difference

Life changing experiences

When Naomi started volunteering for a climate awareness organisation, she quickly realised that this was so much more than a passion project for her.

Naomi enrolled in a Bachelor of Environment and Society at RMIT and says the most exciting part of her program is learning about real world problems and making a tangible difference.

“There are myriad issues connected to climate change and we’re looking for ways to innovate and use our own privilege to help other people.”

Naomi Kelsey

“There can be a bit of inertia and emotional fatigue from studying policies that are destructive and figuring out how you can make a difference. Having my efforts recognised through this award has inspired and encouraged me to see that I’m on the right track, I’m doing something that can make real change.”

Naomi is looking to expand her project management skills through further study so she can lead impactful climate change projects. Her long term goal is to study law and move into climate change justice.

Shaping the world

“I went along to the training and soon realised that I didn’t want to do climate activism one evening a week, I wanted to do this full-time.”

A determined and focused activist, Naomi was awarded the Environmental Thinker and Achiever Award based on her immediate goals in the climate space, and how the funding would help her get there. Naomi says that winning the award has helped remove some of the financial pressure that comes with studying, allowing her to focus on her coursework and delve into her extracurricular activities. It has also boosted her confidence and motivation.

Passion with purpose

Awarded the philanthropically-funded Environmental Thinker and Achiever Award in 2019, final year Environment and Society student Naomi Kelsey discusses what winning meant to her.

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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The Capitol This year marks one year since the reopening of The Capitol as a centre of collaboration and creativity.

First opened in 1924 and designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, The Capitol is renowned for its architectural design and mass appeal. RMIT purchased the theatre in 1999 and in 2017 launched The Capitol Theatre Appeal.

Thanks to your support, the appeal raised over $1.4 million, which in conjunction with the generous support of the Victorian Government, has enabled the University to reactivate this icon and establish a centre of creative excellence to be shared with the community of Melbourne.

Over 500 of you generously supported the appeal and have been recognised in RMIT’s first donor wall, an installation designed by students and staff to celebrate your impact, located in the foyer of The Capitol.

Since reopening, The Capitol has hosted 165 events with over 59,000 attendees. Through its partnership with ACMI, RMIT has been able to offer a diverse range of events for our students and the wider community, including film and writing festivals, staff and student celebrations, lectures, and film screenings.

“As a cinema student, it is really valuable to have films that don’t circuit the mainstream theatres accessible to us because it helps grow our love for film and our filmic intelligence,” says Jasmine Grujovski, third-year Professional Communications student.

Students have also benefited significantly through the introduction of new course content designed as a direct result of the refurbishment.

“The reopening of The Capitol has been wonderful for all of our Cinema Studies courses, because it allows us to teach in the very place our discipline was born: the cinema. It is increasingly rare for Cinema and Film Studies students around the world to have access to a genuine cinema in which to engage with their course content, because most Universities do not have facilities like this,” says Dr Alexia Kannas, Lecturer in Cinema Studies.

None of this would have been possible without your generosity and passion for this remarkable space, through your support the Capitol will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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Billy Ip Principal, Regional Retail Design Sector Leader, Woods Bagot

Billy is an interior designer with over 15 years’ experience delivering award-winning lifestyle projects throughout Asia, Australia and the Middle East. In 2014 he was appointed Principal at Woods Bagot, based in Hong Kong.

As a passionate RMIT alumnus, Billy has enabled life changing experiences for RMIT design students. In July 2018, selected RMIT students travelled to Hong Kong to participate in an intensive program for Interior Design, where they were invited to Woods Bagot to discuss world class design projects and learn from an industry leading practice.

Billy has also given his time and expertise as a speaker at RMIT Alumni events including Knowledge is Power in Hong Kong in 2018. He also participated as a mentor for the ‘Alumni Advice’ campaign through the RMIT Alumni Instagram.

Over the last two decades, Diana has championed digital creativity and innovation at some of the UK’s top digital marketing agencies, and in 2018 was appointed Creative Lead for Global Business Marketing, EMEA at Facebook.

Since 2018 Diana has generously provided incredible opportunities and her expert knowledge to RMIT students and our global alumni community. Diana has hosted several media and communications study tour groups at Facebook and earlier this year spoke at the Common Purpose Global Leadership event for students. She has also been an expert speaker and round table panel member for RMIT Alumni events in Europe.

Fithriyah (Fitz) Shalihah Analytics and Technology Specialist, Telstra Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Communication Engineering)

Since graduating from RMIT in 2012 Fithriyah has been an active member of RMIT’s volunteer community. Fithriyah has supported RMIT to reach aspiring engineers through a virtual testimonial, lending her insights as an engineer at Telstra and her passion for RMIT to a video which has received over 1,300 views. Fithriyah is also currently a mentor at RMIT, supporting female engineering students through their studies and into the sector.

In 2019 Fithriyah gave her time and expertise as a judge at EnGenius, an annual exhibition that brings together nearly 1,000 final year engineering students, high school visitors, academics and industry to showcase final year projects from students in the School of Engineering. Fithriyah is no stranger to EnGenius, having received the Silver Research Prize during her final year at RMIT.

Shaping the world

Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

Bachelor of Arts (Visual Communication)

Passion with purpose

Meet some of the incredible RMIT Alumni who are shaping the world.

Graduate Diploma Animation & Interactive Media

Life changing experiences

RMIT Alumni are diverse, talented and successful. They generously share their knowledge and expertise with the RMIT community, inspiring the next generation of leaders and industry professionals. Champions of education, they enable life-changing experiences for students across the globe. To our alumni who volunteer their time and experience, we thank you for giving back to our community and for the wonderful opportunities you provide to RMIT students and alumni.

Creative Lead for Global Business Marketing, EMEA, Facebook

Impact Report 2020

A global alumni community

Diana Janicki

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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Bacteria shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs RMIT multi-disciplinary team: PhD researcher Sheeana Gangadoo, Dr James Chapman, Dr Aaron Elbourne and Dr Vi Khanh Truong.

Published in one of the most prestigious scientific journals, this RMIT-led research offers a ground-breaking new direction in the search for better bacteria-fighting technologies.

Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, causing over 700,000 deaths each year. Without a new way to fight bacteria, the death toll could rise to 10 million people a year by 2050, overtaking cancer as a leading cause of death.

Dr Elbourne is part of an RMIT research team taking a world-first approach to fighting superbugs by investigating the antibacterial potential of magnetic liquid metal nanoparticles.

The biggest issues driving antibiotic resistance are the spread of dangerous, drug-resistant superbugs, which can no longer be treated with existing antibiotics.

They have discovered that, when exposed to a lowintensity magnetic field and placed in contact with bacterial biofilm, the nano-sized liquid metal droplets change shape and destroy the bacterial cells.

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Nanobiotechnology Laboratory at RMIT, Dr Aaron Elbourne said antibiotics had revolutionised healthcare since their discovery 90 years ago, but were losing effectiveness due to misuse.

In their latest study they tested against two types of bacterial biofilms (Gram- positive and Gram-negative) with the liquid metal nanoparticles destroying 99 per cent of bacteria and, importantly, not affecting human cells.

“We’re heading to a postantibiotic future, where common bacterial infections, minor injuries and routine surgeries could once again become deadly.”

Dr Aaron Elbourne

Dr Elbourne says that, while bacteria are adaptable to chemical attacks via antibiotics, they have no defence against a physical attack.

“Our precision-engineered liquid metals have the power to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm where bacteria live and multiply.”

The research was recently recognised in American Chemical Society Nano and the next stage is already underway involving pre-clinical animal trials.

This ground-breaking discovery has been made possible through the support of the CASS Foundation, the Australian-American Fullbright Commission, the Jack Brockhoff Foundation and you, our donors.

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Meet some of the 2019 global scholarship recipients.

Sasha Sweatman

Emily Ninnes

Emily says she was “blown away” when she heard her application had been successful, and says the support of the Jacques Nasser Scholarship made her feel relieved that she wouldn’t run out of money whilst away. Through her time in the US, Emily connected with people who can help her “get a job in Silicon Valley” where she ultimately hopes to work as a software engineer for a startup, with dreams to build her own business which helps reduce financial inequality.

“I was blown away by the generous gift. It gave me such incredible opportunities and experiences and really helped me make the most of my trip.”

Lauren Fahey The Andreas Florez Travel Scholarship for Artistic Excellence

Passion with purpose

The Storey Scholarship

Jacques Nasser Scholarship

Life changing experiences

Global Experience Scholarships prepare students for a globalised world of work, ensuring they are not only confident to operate in global markets but are recognised for their creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial edge. While the world has changed considerably in 2020, a global focus and mindset has never been more important.

Emily Ninnes Impact Report 2020

Meet our global scholars

Sasha Sweatman

“The Storey Scholarship made my semester exchange an amazing time and really expanded my experiences and opportunities which I would not have been able to do without the grant.”

Lauren Fahey

Lauren says the Andreas Florez Travel Scholarship allowed her “the joy and freedom to be able to receive the full experience of what a global opportunity entailed, without worrying about money”. Lauren used the funds to help cover the costs of studying in London, where she says she was able to “build networks with other students and people in the art industry”. Lauren has ambitions to work as a professional practicing artist within Australia’s contemporary art sector and public sphere. She aims to parallel her practice with work as an art therapist to “help individuals and give back to the community”.

“I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the donor of the scholarship I received. My opportunity and time overseas would have not been the same without the support I was given.”

Shaping the world

Sasha says she felt “happy and grateful” and proud that her “hard work, extra-curricular and volunteering efforts had been recognised”. Awarded the Storey Scholarship while studying communications, Sasha used the funds to support her semester abroad in Scotland. Sasha says the experience “allowed me to see the media and communications industry from a global perspective. I learnt how the industry differs on the other side of the world and how valuable studying with a global perspective is for education and future employment”.

Shaping the world through transformative educational experience and ground-breaking research.

Shaping the world

Passion with purpose

Life changing experiences

Impact Report 2020

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RMIT Philanthropy GPO Box 2476 Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia 03 9925 5220 giving@rmit.edu.au