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Student Ideas Fund

The Student Ideas Fund is an exciting collaboration between Leeds University Union, the University, and you to help empower you to be your best self. Do you have an idea to improve the student experience, build a sense of belonging, strengthen ties with local communities, promote sustainability, or share your knowledge?

Due to the generous donations of the University of Leeds alumni, we have £40,000 to support student-led ideas, with £5000 up for grabs per idea. So far, £2530 of the funding has been given out. Submit your idea now so you don’t miss out!

 

 

Ideas we have already funded:

The Tealights 20th Anniversary Event

The idea is to run a student-led Comedy Night in the Riley Smith Theatre on Saturday 31 May, to celebrate 20 years of the Leeds Tealights Society. This event will strengthen the society’s community by bringing past and present members together. It will also benefit members by providing a platform for aspiring comedians and will improve the society’s connections with successful alumni who have gone on to have careers in the comedy and entertainment industry. This idea offers students and the broader university community an opportunity to engage with student-led comedy in an accessible setting.

 

The Leeds Tealights Society submitted this idea.

“We believe this idea is worth funding because it goes beyond the typical society activity, strengthening student-alumni relationships and showcasing career pathways in the creative arts. The event’s detailed planning, broad appeal, and potential to inspire future generations of student comedians makes it an excellent investment in the student experience at Leeds.”. – Student Ideas Fund Panel.

The Reproductive Rights Live Music Fundraiser

The idea is to run a Live Music Fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for global reproductive rights charities. This event will feature student bands and run at Hyde Park Book Club on Wednesday 26 March. It will benefit students and the wider Leeds community by providing a social and educational space to engage with reproductive rights issues while raising charity money.

 

The Reproductive Rights Society submitted this idea.

“We believe this idea is worth funding because it aligns with the Student Ideas Fund’s mission to empower new student societies and create inclusive spaces for important discussions. As a new society, this event will help establish the Reproductive Rights Society’s presence on campus, encourage student-led advocacy, and provide an accessible and engaging way to support a critical social issue.” – Student Ideas Fund Panel.

"Beyond the Lab Coat" Symposium

The idea is to run a student-led event celebrating LGBTQ+ identities in STEM through keynote speeches, panel discussions, research presentations, and networking opportunities. The event will run on Monday 16 June, and aims to foster community, visibility, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ scientists and raise awareness about the challenges they face in academia. The event will benefit LGBTQ+ students, postgraduate researchers, and faculty members and engage allies and academic departments in meaningful discussions on creating a more inclusive environment.

 

Ben Fenton submitted this idea.

“We believe this idea is worth funding because it addresses a critical gap in representation, fosters belonging and mentorship, and encourages early-career LGBTQ+ scientists to pursue their academic and professional goals.” – Student Ideas Fund Panel.