The University of Gibraltar and the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society Celebrate Longstanding Partnership

The University of Gibraltar had the pleasure of welcoming the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society (FOGHS) for their annual visit on 11th June, marking another year of fruitful collaboration in support of local research and conservation.

Since 2017, FOGHS has generously contributed to the University’s PhD Programme through annual bursaries for students, expanding their support in 2022 to include students enrolled in the MSc in Marine Science and Climate Change and the MSc in Environmental Science and Climate Change.

To date, FOGHS donations have benefitted 24 postgraduate research projects, 15 at Master’s level and 9 at PhD level, across a variety of disciplines, all of them under the common aim of protecting Gibraltar’s unique heritage and environment, while strengthening links between Gibraltar and the UK.

This year’s visit saw Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Bachleda personally welcome the FOGHS delegation to campus, where the latest group of bursary recipients were introduced and had the opportunity to formally accept the award. The 2025 awardees include:

• Bethany Gadd, PhD student exploring the social dynamics between Gibraltar residents and the Barbary macaques
• Emma Ocana, MSc student investigating the spread and impact of the invasive Atlantic Blue Crab
• Clare Sanderson, MSc student examining public understanding of marine ecosystems through ocean literacy
• Carolin Zofall, MSc student focusing on coral restoration of Astroides calycularis 
• Avery Rose, MSc student conducting a biodiversity assessment of sea pen communities
• Sian Ruston, MSc student analysing the trophic structures of local marine ecosystems

The University would like to extend its congratulations to the 2025 successful awardees and our gratitude to FOGHS for the continued support they provide for our students.

We look forward to welcoming the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society on campus again in 2026.