History is inescapable in Cambridge. It is inconceivable that a British institution as old as our University would not have been touched by colonial practices of enslavement and enforced labour – whether benefiting from, helping to shape, or indeed challenging them.

A society’s historical baggage and its modern-day challenges are inextricable. Understanding our past and shaping our future are not separate projects. The University of Cambridge is exceptionally well placed to undertake both of them.

The legacies of enslavement form a part of who we are today, and inform what we wish to achieve. We can never rewrite history, or do away with our heritage, but we can try to address prevailing inequalities. This process begins through greater self-knowledge and self-reflection.

Professor Stephen J Toope
Vice-Chancellor

Read the report

Read the Vice-Chancellor's response

Get involved

The University of Cambridge is entering a new phase of its work in addressing aspects of the legacies of slavery. We are refreshing communication and membership lists to create a network of interested parties.

Join the network  

Contact the co-ordinator for more information: legaciesnetwork@admin.cam.ac.uk

Find out more about the study

Read the Vice-Chancellor's blog post about understanding the past and shaping the future.

Convenor, Legacies of Enslavement Special Initiative

The University seeks engagement from a leading scholar to take forward key initiatives of the University’s work on Legacies of Enslavement. This is an opportunity for concerted action to develop ‘Legacies’ across and beyond collegiate Cambridge, working closely with College communities, academic Departments and research centres, community groups and a diverse range of scholars committed to driving forward knowledge for a better future.

The University’s 2019 report stated that: “History is inescapable in Cambridge. It is inconceivable that a British institution as old as our University would not have been touched by colonial practices of enslavement and enforced labour – whether benefiting from, helping to shape, or indeed challenging them.

The legacies of enslavement form a part of who we are today, and inform what we wish to achieve. We can never rewrite history, or do away with our heritage, but we can try to address prevailing inequalities. This process begins through greater self-knowledge and self-reflection.”

The Convenor for Legacies of Enslavement will provide strategic leadership for the University’s interests in this area, fostering collaboration and engagement across a broad range of activity. Working in close partnership with a diverse network of scholars and organisations, both within and without Cambridge, they will ensure development of a compelling national and international profile for this work, representing the ‘Legacies’ initiative to national and international communities, and to the wider UK public.

The successful candidate will hold an academic post in a relevant academic subject area. They will have extensive experience as a researcher and leader in areas relevant to Legacies. An internationally-recognised research profile is desirable.

Further particulars of this opportunity

How to apply

Informal enquiries about this opportunity can be directed to Professor Tim Harper tnh1000@cam.ac.uk

If you wish to be considered, please provide an academic CV and a short expression of interest which includes an outline of your priorities and potential approach to leading the initiative.

Send your academic CV and expression of interest as attachments in an email to legaciesnetwork@admin.cam.ac.uk to arrive no later than 10:00 on Monday 13 January 2025 (UK time).

Meetings with shortlisted candidates will be held in the last week of January 2025.