Interviews with heads of Cambridge colleges
Interviews with heads of Cambridge colleges are essential. They provide valuable insights into the academic, research, and cultural aspects of these prestigious institutions. These leaders are accomplished individuals who shape the colleges and academic standards. Their perspectives offer a comprehensive understanding of the academic environment at Cambridge. Engaging in discussions with them sheds light on the evolving nature of education, challenges and opportunities faced by the colleges, and the global impact of their research and educational initiatives. These interviews are crucial for academics, students, and the public interested in the legacy and future of these esteemed institutions.
Alan Macfarlane has interviewed a large number of leading figures from Cambridge, asking them about their lives, work and legacy. Below are just a few people Alan interviewed over the years. A collection of interviews with Masters of Cambridge Colleges is going to be published by Cam Rivers Publishing in 2024.
Patrick Bateson
Renowned ethologist Patrick Bateson has shaped animal behaviour study with decades of research and mentorship. His prolific writings have informed and inspired budding ethologists, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of ethology.
Bateson served as Provost of King’s College, Cambridge for fifteen years.
Martin Rees is a Fellow of Trinity College and Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge.
In 1973, he became a fellow of King's College and Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at Cambridge (continuing in the latter post until 1991) and served for ten years as director of Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy. From 1992 to 2003 he was a Royal Society Research Professor, and then from 2004 to 2012, Master of Trinity College. In 2005 he was appointed to the House of Lords, and he was President of the Royal Society for the period 2005-10.
Anne Lonsdale
Anne Lonsdale, a respected British expert in Chinese studies, has significantly advanced our understanding of Chinese history, culture, and society over many years. She is praised for her knowledge of classic Chinese literature, keen interpretations of Chinese language and philosophy, and strong understanding of Chinese culture, all contributing to a global understanding of China's influence.
Lonsdale was the third President of New Hall (Murray Edwards) College, Cambridge.
Gillian Beer
Gillian Beer, born in 1935, is a prominent literary critic and scholar. Her focus is on the interplay between literature, science, and Victorian studies, particularly how Charles Darwin's ideas influenced literature and scientific advancements shaped Victorian culture. Beer's influential books like Darwin's Plots
and Science and the Human Imagination have solidified her reputation as a leading academic voice. Her interdisciplinary approach and curiosity have led to numerous awards and invitations to esteemed institutions worldwide, earning her respect in both literary and scientific communities.
Beer was 5th President of Clare Hall, Cambridge.
Alan Bookbinder
Alan Peter Bookbinder is a British journalist, charity executive, and academic administrator. He previously worked for the BBC, and was Director of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts from 2006 to 2018.
From October 2018 to 2023, he served as Master of Downing College, Cambridge.
Heather Hancock
Heather Jane Hancock LVO DL is a former civil servant who has held numerous positions related to North Yorkshire. Since 1 October 2020, she has been Master of St John's College, Cambridge.
Peter Mathias
Peter Mathias, CBE FRHistS FBA MAE was a British economic historian and the former Chichele Professor of Economic History at the University of Oxford. His research focused on the history of industry, business, and technology, both in Britain and Europe.
Mathias was Master of Downing College, Cambridge, between 1987 and 1995.
Gabriel Horn
Sir Gabriel Horn FRS was Emeritus Professor of Zoology at the University of Cambridge, and both a pioneer in the study of the neurological basis of thought and a moving force behind the University’s engagement with public policy. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1986, receiving their Royal Medal in 2001.He was knighted in the 2002 New Year Honours "for services to Neurobiology and to the Advancement of Scientific Research"
He was Master of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge from 1992 to 1999 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university from 1994 to 1997.
Barry Supple
Barry Supple, an expert in business and Anglo-American history, has extensively researched economic changes, company evolution, worker movements, and globalisation's impact in the US and UK. His work uncovers the interconnectedness of business, society, and culture, offering valuable insights into the modern business landscape.
Supple was Master of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge between 1984 and 1993.
Haroon Ahmed
Haroon Ahmed is a world-renowned British Pakistani scientist with a distinguished career in microelectronics and electrical engineering. He is Emeritus Professor of Microelectonics at the Cavendish Laboratory, the Physics Department of the University of Cambridge, Honorary Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Ahmed was the 48th Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
Colin Renfrew
Known for studying ancient items in the Eastern Mediterranean and researching the origins of the Indo-European language family, Colin takes an interdisciplinary approach by combining archaeology with anthropology, linguistics, and genetics. His work has influenced our understanding of culture evolution, migration, and early civilisations. Holding important positions at top institutions, Renfrew has authored influential books and articles about human history, inspiring future archaeologists and historians with his dedication to uncovering ancient mysteries.
Renfrew served as Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, from 1986 until 1997.
Rowan Williams
Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, PC, FBA, FRSL, FLSW is a Welsh Anglican bishop, theologian and poet. He was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, a position he held from December 2002 to December 2012.
Dr Rowan Williams was the 35th master of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Robert Hinde
Dr. Robert Hinde was a respected British psychologist and scientist. His work advanced human and animal behavior understanding, especially in developmental psychology, ethology, and social bonds in primate societies. His research on social relationships and early mother-infant interactions has had a lasting impact on various fields, deepening our understanding of human and animal nature.
Hinde was Master of St John’s College, Cambridge.
Sir David King
Sir David King, a prominent scientist and leader in climate change, has held influential UK government positions. He passionately advocates for urgent action to address climate challenges, earning widespread respect and admiration. His contributions shape global environmental policy.
Sir David was Master of Downing College between 1995 and 2000.
Sir John Meurig Thomas
Sir John Meurig Thomas FLSW FRS HonFREng HonFRSE FRMS, also known as JMT, was a Welsh scientist, educator, university administrator, and historian of science primarily known for his work on heterogeneous catalysis, solid-state chemistry, and surface and materials science.
Sir John was Master of Peterhouse between 1993 and 2002.
Yao Liang
Yao Liang is a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. His pioneering work explored the electronic properties of semiconductors and superconductors, as well as quantum phase transitions.
Liang was President of Fellows of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, between 2005 and 2013.
Michael Proctor
Michael Richard Edward Proctor FRS FIMA FRAS is a British physicist, mathematician, and academic. He is Professor of Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics at the University of Cambridge and school governor at Eton College.
Proctor served as Provost of King’s College between 2013 and 2023.
Christopher Bayly
Sir Christopher Alan Bayly, FBA, FRSL was a British historian specialising in British Imperial, Indian and global history. From 1992 to 2013, he was Vere Harmsworth Professor of Imperial and Naval History at the University of Cambridge.
Sir Christopher was President of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, between 2007 and 2015.