Nobel scientist makes first donation to new ANU-US foundation »

Nobel laureate and ANU astrophysicist Professor Brian Schmidt AC has made the first donation to a new United States-based ANU charitable foundation. The ANU Foundation USA mission is to promote excellence in education and research at ANU by managing donations and gifts from ANU alumni and friends in the United States. Professor Schmidt, a dual US-Australian citizen, has made the first contribution to the foundation by donating proceeds from his 2015 Breakthrough Prize, to help further astronomical research at the ANU. "I'm delighted to make this donation, to help further research into astronomy at the ANU and to give back to the University, which has given me great opportunities throughout my academic life," Professor Schmidt said. The donation is worth more than $200,000 in Australian dollars. ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Young AO, thanked Professor Schmidt for his generosity. "Professor Schmidt's donation is a tremendous act of generosity and wonderful start to the new foundation," Professor Young said.