OII | Giving to the Oxford Internet Institute

Help build a better digital future

The Oxford Internet Institute brings together experts from across the social sciences and technology to understand how emerging technologies affect society, and how they can be designed and governed responsibly.

Why this matters

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming how we live, work, communicate, and govern. They influence everything from healthcare and education to democracy, security, and economic opportunity.

But these technologies are not neutral. Digital systems reflect human choices about data, design, and governance. They can accelerate research and drive discovery, but they can also deepen divisions and cause harm.

The challenge is to ensure these choices are guided by evidence and made in the public interest.

Why the Oxford Internet Institute

For 25 years, the Oxford Internet Institute has helped shape understanding of how digital technologies are changing society. Our research has informed global conversations on issues including AI trust and safety, misinformation, digital inequality, and the future of work, influencing governments, regulators, international organisations, industry, and civil society around the world.

OII researchers have exposed how disinformation spreads online, developed ways to make AI systems more fair and accountable, and helped improve conditions for workers in the global gig economy. Our work has informed guidance on children’s digital wellbeing, shaped debates on data protection and digital rights, and helped policymakers better understand the impact of automation and platform technologies on jobs and economies.

The role of research

Independent research is essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Philanthropic support gives us the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging challenges, explore new ideas, and invest in areas where evidence is urgently needed.

Your support helps us to carry out independent research, support exceptional students, and translate our evidence into impact. Flexible funding is particularly valuable because it allows us to act where the need is greatest and where new opportunities arise.

As founder donor of the Oxford Internet Institute, I am hugely proud of its excellent researchers who are investigating many areas relevant to contemporary life. Examples are bringing the world’s attention to “fake news”; introducing the concept of Big Data; and asking important questions about the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence.

Dame Stephanie Shirley
Founding Donor (1933-2025)

What your gift supports

Scholarships ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can study at the Oxford Internet Institute. The Shirley Scholars Fund supports graduate students whose work addresses critical challenges in technology and society.

Support research on urgent global challenges including AI governance, online safety, technology and wellbeing, digital inequality, bias, privacy, misinformation, cybersecurity, digital economies, the future of work, and more.

Flexible funding allows us to act quickly in response to fast-moving technological developments and emerging societal risks. It enables innovation, collaboration, and rapid-response research where it is needed most.

Ways to give

Donate online

You can make a one-off donation via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or CAF, or you can set up a recurring gift. Gifts can be made via our online donation form by selecting the area of the University you wish to support.

Donate by post

We welcome donations made by cheque, CAF cheque, card or direct debit. To give by post from the UK, please print and complete our postal giving form.

Contact us to discuss your support

For major gifts or tailored giving opportunities, please contact the Donor Relations team to discuss your gift.

Giving to Oxford: FAQs

Find answers about tax-efficient giving, payment methods, and international donations on the University of Oxford’s giving pages.