Interviews with Vice-Chancellors of Cambridge University
Interviews with Vice-Chancellors of Cambridge University provide a rare glimpse into the leadership, vision, and challenges within one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions. These conversations offer insight into the strategic direction of the university, its response to global issues, and the innovative initiatives being pursued in education and research. By engaging with Vice-Chancellors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of higher education, the impact of technology on learning and scholarship, and the efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion within the university community. Their perspectives can illuminate not only the priorities of Cambridge University but also broader trends shaping the future of higher education.
Alison Richard
Dame Alison Fettes Richard, DBE, DL is an English anthropologist, conservationist and university administrator.
She was the 344th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, the third Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge since the post became full-time, and the second woman.
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.
Stephen Toope
Stephen John Toope OC FRSC is a Canadian legal scholar, academic administrator and a scholar specializing in human rights, public international law and international relations. In November 2022, he was appointed as the fifth President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
Stephen Toope was the 346th Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
Hans van de Ven
Johan 'Hans' van de Ven is an authority on the history of 19th and 20th century China. He holds several positions at the University of Cambridge, where he is Professor of Modern Chinese History, Director in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at St Catharine's College and previously served as Chair of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. He studied sinology at Leiden University. Then, after studying with Susan Naquin at the University of Pennsylvania for a period of time, he moved to Harvard University, where he studied modern Chinese history under Philip Kuhn and received his PhD.
Hans is Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
Sir Peter Swinnerton-Dyer
Sir Peter Swinnerton-Dyer was famous mathematician known for his important work in number theory and algebraic geometry. He is well-known for co-authoring the influential Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture with John Tate, which has greatly influenced mathematics, especially the study of elliptic curves. His work remains influential and inspiring to mathematicians and researchers globally.
He was the 336th Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.