On Wednesday 24 June, the University of Hull’s Chancellor, Rt Hon Alan Johnson, hosted an exclusive gathering to celebrate the University’s ongoing achievements, network, and dive into our cutting-edge research. This was a special event for our Chancellor’s Circle, a donor group that brings together some of our most passionate alumni, leading local entrepreneurs, philanthropists and key stakeholders.

Guests enjoyed special access to ground-breaking research, the opportunity to meet our new Vice-Chancellor, and a relaxed networking session over coffee and cake with Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients rounding-off a memorable and inspiring day.

Below, you can read about what happened on the day, find out more about the Chancellor’s Circle and how to get involved, and see all the photographs.

A Journey from Campus to Clinical Innovation

The day began on campus with a celebratory lunch, where Chancellor’s Circle members met our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tom Lawson, for the first time. Having joined the University earlier in the month, Professor Lawson shared his vision and ambitions, sparking lively and engaging discussions among guests.

Following lunch, the group travelled to Castle Hill Hospital for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the world-leading Hull Wound Innovation Institute.

Led by Professor Matthew Hardman, the institute’s internationally recognized team, including Sarah Clark, Dr Michelle Rudden, and several talented students provided an in-depth look at their ground-breaking work. Guests discovered how the Institute unites academics, students, researchers, and industry partners to revolutionize chronic wound care. By using novel, innovative methods to study wound complications, the team is actively developing new, patient-centred treatments that drastically improve healthcare outcomes both locally and internationally.

Fuelling Free Thinking Future Makers: Meeting Our Scholars

The day concluded with a heartwarming meet-and-greet, where Chancellor’s Circle members met the very scholarship recipients many of them support.

Circle members act as vital champions for the University, leveraging their networks to promote meaningful causes and inspire others. Their generosity fuels a prestigious, merit-based program that has offered 10 full-fee scholarships over the last two years to outstanding UK undergraduates across all subjects. This vital funding ensures Hull continues to attract future leaders who are prepared to tackle pressing global questions and make a real difference in the world.

Ahead of next year’s cohort starting, this was the first time we’d been able to bring Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients together to support them in building their networks, and to give them the opportunity to thank those who have helped to make their scholarships and their studies happen.

How Your Support Can Change Student Lives

We are incredibly grateful to our amazing community of friends, donors, and alumni. Your generosity directly drives our key initiatives and shapes the future of our university.

Scholarships do far more than just ease financial pressure. They act as a catalyst for personal and academic transformation. When you support a student, you directly improve their academic performance, leading to higher grades, their career readiness, boosting their employment success and personal growth, building lasting confidence and self-belief.

Join the Chancellor’s Circle

You can be the turning point in a student’s journey. If you want to make a lasting difference or learn more about our giving community, we would love to connect with you.

Get in touch: Email Ben Butler at ben.butler@hull.ac.uk for details.