La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, has announced a bequest of AU$45 million ($33.68 million) from the late Olga Tennison in support of autism research.

The endowed gift will support the university’s autism research across the lifespan of people with autism, including early detection and diagnosis, intervention and supports, and employment and well-being. Tennison, a Brisbane-born philanthropist, died in January 2021 at the age of 92 and left the gift in her will. She had a lifelong interest in autism and in 2008 established the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at the university.

“Olga was an inspirational and compassionate person who directed so much of what she had—both socially and financially—to ensuring every child on the autism spectrum could thrive,” said La Trobe University vice chancellor and professor John Dewar. “It was through her vision, many years ago, that we were able to establish this world-class research centre, which has already had an enormous impact in the community–not just in Australia, but globally.”

(Photo credit: La Trobe University)