By Shauna Chadlowe, Chief Development Officer
We are pleased to announce a major new investment in the application of science for conservation: The Middleton Conservation Science Fund.
The fund is the result of a generous bequest by Dr Margaret Middleton who passed away on 2 March 2019 at the age of 90. Dr Middleton, who was a Reader in Psychology at ANU, will be remembered for her keen scientific mind, active participation in, and generous patronage of ecological and environmental research throughout her life.
Dr Middleton contacted AWC after hearing a radio interview with AWC’s founder, Martin Copley, in 2013. She was particularly keen to help secure Australia’s biodiversity and encourage the next generation of Australian scientists to develop their skills in conservation science. As she came to know AWC over the ensuing years, she was inspired to support AWC’s conservation science program in perpetuity.
Application of The Middleton Conservation Science Fund
This exceptionally generous bequest, which involves an initial investment of $4 million, will see The Middleton Conservation Science Fund established and managed by AWC. Income earned by the Fund will be available for distribution: the capital component will be managed in perpetuity and applied towards AWC’s science program, the role of which is to:
Income from the Fund will also contribute towards the delivery of our science program by AWC’s skilled team of scientists, interns and expert volunteers (AWC employs around 60 ecologists, representing about 40 per cent of our total staff team), and the publication of our research. In the last five years, the AWC science program has generated over 150 peer-reviewed publications.
Reporting on outcomes
The Middleton Conservation Science Fund is currently being established. AWC will report each year on the income generated by the Fund, provide a summary of the projects that have benefited and a link to publications related to those projects.
This Fund represents a major investment in the application of science for conservation. Species will be saved from extinction and Dr Middleton’s legacy will live on in perpetuity, providing opportunities for generations of bright Australian scientists to better protect Australia’s unique wildlife and habitats.
Every bequest makes an important difference to the outcomes we can achieve. Please contact us on 08 9380 9633 if you would like more information about leaving a lasting legacy to help secure the future of Australia’s threatened wildlife and habitats.