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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.

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

Maintaining a "gem of greenery and peace" in Mānoa Valley

As many times as I have given tours there or simply walked the grounds, sometimes on small trails off the beaten path, I am continually awed by the peaceful feeling I gain just being there.

UH Hilo professor bridges language gap for science

Philippe Binder, a professor of physics in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at UH Hilo, is working on creating a lexicon of terms that will allow students to learn introductory physics terms in their indigenous languages.

School of Social Work welcomes new endowed chair & interim dean

Former professor Chin Sik Chung’s family has funded the first endowed faculty position in public health.