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Support from donors unleashes the incredible potential of a brilliant researcher. It is the partnership between donor, faculty, and students that creates new knowledge and transforms lives in Hawaiʻi and the world.

Each day, hundreds of faculty members and students throughout the state are engaged in groundbreaking research in areas as diverse as astronomy, cancer studies, teacher training and education, ethnic and cultural studies, government and public policies, ocean and earth science, international relations, high technology development, and business development in general.

In an increasingly competitive world, universities cannot rely solely on government funding to support research. It is the investment and vision of private donors that fuels the groundbreaking stages of research – research that may then be supported by government funding.

Scholarship empowers students, connects to Ball’s legacy
The Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship was established by retired faculty librarian Paul Wermager, supporting and empowering students to pursue and earn degrees in chemistry, biology or microbiology at UH Mānoa. In this short story, recipients share how the scholarship has impacted them.
UH Cancer Center dedicates lānai to Barry and Virginia Weinman
The lānai dedication coincided with the 15th annual Barry & Virginia Weinman Symposium, an international conference that brings prominent experts in science and medicine together to discuss cancer research.
UH Hilo Chancellor envisions greater access for all students
“A student told me that studying abroad at another university opened a door of opportunity she did not even know was there. This is what I see happening at UH Hilo.”
Research that matters: UH science creates a better world for us all
University of Hawai‘i researchers make groundbreaking discoveries, often collaborating across disciplines and departments, that cannot occur anywhere else on Earth.
Protecting Hawaiʻi from invasive pests aim of new airport exhibit
A new interactive exhibit at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will help to inform travelers about the importance of protecting the state from invasive species and demonstrate some of the actions they can take to make a difference.
Terri McCoy's zest for life continues to help others
“One of the most devastating things to hear is when your spouse tells you they have cancer,” says Les McCoy.
Work to preserve rare plants honors late UH Mānoa botany professor St. John
An anonymous donor has given $2.5 million to UH in memory of the renowned botanist Harold St. John.
New UH vessel to expand marine research, conservation efforts
The 68-foot semi-displacement aluminum catamaran will be used by a team of 12 researchers at the UH Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology.
Passion for storms strengthens UH research into severe thunderstorms
Jonathan Merage is expanding his support to fund two new studies that aim to help meteorologists better understand destructive supercell thunderstorms and the role that terrain can play in the generation of the precursors to most deadly tornadoes.
Leaving a legacy of learning
UH Mānoa students spent four days on an ‘ultimate learning trip’ to Kaho‘olawe, a research opportunity funded by the Richard H. & Mildred D. Kosaki student assistance endowment.
A lasting tribute to lifelong leaders
The Vernon and Yun Soong Jim Micropropagation Endowment will support the Lyon Arboretum’s micropropagation lab into the distant future. The couple’s three daughters agree this represents their parents’ values and respect for the work at the Mānoa arboretum.
Honoring a friend through interesting, necessary work

Hawai‘i is behind in understanding breast cancer risk in our specific mix of ethnicities, cultural influences and genetics