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WHEEL
The
THE NEWSLETTER 2021 | ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Welcome
Imogen Black
PROFESSOR SIR MARK WELLAND (2016),
MASTER
CONTENTS
I
must start this message by paying
testament to how the College has News from the Senior Tutor 3
supported our current and prospective
students over the last year, as outlined by College News 5–7
the Senior Tutor (page 3). By recognising
that the ebbs and flows of the COVID-19
Springboard to success – 8
pandemic would affect student morale, our Junior Research
welfare and academic progress, we The Master visits the building site for the Fellowships
have been able to adapt and extend our Central Spaces project
activities – often at short notice. This
CatzPeople 9
nimbleness has enabled us to embrace new renewal of buildings, as demonstrated
ways of living and working together as a by the first phase of the Central Spaces
BioRISC – Improving the 11
community, and to attract a record number project (further details are available on
links between science and
of applicants from a range of backgrounds. page 13). I am delighted with the pace of
policy makers
COVID-secure building work over the last
I also want to welcome the ongoing few months, which has ensured that this
Thank you for your support 12
collaboration between St Catharine’s extensive update and redesign remains on
students and our staff and Fellows that schedule for completion in June 2022.
continues to enrich College life, from Building an even 13
organising activities for Black History The progress on our major building brighter future
Month (page 7) and participating in Catz projects is symbolic of the advances we
Chats (page 20), to the naming of our are making towards the vision articulated Widening participation 14
temporary hall (page 19). in the ‘Our College, Our Future’ strategy.
The accompanying campaign2 has enjoyed Recognising our donors 15
This issue of The Wheel also shines a a successful first two years thanks to the
spotlight on some of the important ways extraordinary generosity of our donors
Medicine at St Catharine’s 16
that the College fosters research excellence (pages 12 and 15). I look forward to sharing
among our Harding Postgraduate Scholars further news and opportunities with
Harding Distinguished 18
(page 18), our Junior Research Fellows everyone in the coming year or so.
Postgraduate Scholars
(page 8) and our Fellows (page 11). I
continue to be astounded by the impact It is important to mention that the ‘Our
and quality of the world-class research College, Our Future’ strategy acknowledges Then and now: Marquees 19
of distinction
pioneered by our scholarly community.1 the significance of sound financial planning.
In response to the new financial pressures
Moving forward together as a tight-knit resulting from the pandemic, we are Connecting our community 20
community has helped us to stay on track prioritising the long-term financial stability
with our ambitious plans for a selective of the College and aiming to secure Society news 20
endowments that will preserve roles that
play an important part in College life.
I am incredibly grateful to students, staff,
I am incredibly grateful The Wheel is printed with vegetable-
Fellows, alumni and friends for your based inks on paper containing material
to students, staff, Fellows, dedication and community spirit. In an sourced from responsibly managed forests
alumni and friends for exceptionally challenging year, there have certified in accordance with the Forest
Stewardship Council®.
been so many moments to celebrate.
your dedication and St Catharine’s College supports the World
community spirit. Land Trust Carbon Capture Programme.
1. For research news, please visit caths.cam.ac.uk/news/research CBP003678
2. https://www.campaign.caths.cam.ac.uk
22 | The Wheel 2021
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Looking back on my
first calendar year
as Senior Tutor
DR HOLLY CANUTO (2020), FELLOW AND SENIOR TUTOR
I
have now been Senior Tutor at Long Vacation 2020
Martin Bond, A Cambridge Diary
St Catharine’s for a full calendar The vacation flew by as College departments
year. Every term has bought with it worked hard to prepare a COVID-secure yet
a new set of challenges and I have been welcoming environment for Michaelmas Term.
immensely proud of how the College Official guidance enabled some students to
has remained focused on supporting return before the new academic year: our
our current and prospective students postgraduate research students could return
throughout this period of upheaval. from July, followed by students on courses
with early start dates, and international
Easter Term 2020 students who needed to quarantine.
The first national lockdown meant that
most students had left Cambridge, but The College faced new challenges in August
the College was committed to providing around A Level results day. Although
rooms for students who were unable to offer-holders in England and Wales had
leave. Tutors, the Welfare Team and our been originally awarded grades using an
College counsellors provided remote algorithm, the Government retracted these
pastoral care to students, whether they results in favour of centre-assessed grades
were at home in the UK, overseas or still due to concerns about algorithmic bias. We
in College. This was greatly facilitated by confirmed places for all offer-holders who
the foresight and incredible generosity of met the terms of their conditional offer and
our Honorary Fellows Peter (1974, Natural The College arranged a heart-shaped air display our Admissions Team did a wonderful job
Sciences) and Christina Dawson (2016). to celebrate our graduating students in June supporting all prospective students during
2020. Find out more at caths.cam.ac.uk/we- this challenging time.
Financial support from Members also heart-our-graduands
allowed us to help our students adjust Michaelmas Term 2020
to the introduction of online teaching by Following the postponement of all in- After a surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK,
loaning laptops and providing bursaries person ceremonies, the College arranged the College was saddened by the need to
for noise-cancelling headphones or other special graduation surprises, including pare back many of the matriculation and
items of equipment. This was in addition a congratulatory greeting card, a video Freshers’ Week events planned for the start
to the generous hardship funding featuring a song written by the Rev’d Ally of term, sometimes at very short notice. We
available to students in need as a result Barrett (2019) and a heart-shaped air preserved activities where we could, which
of the pandemic. display above Main Court. involved much creativity and braving the
October weather. We held undergraduate
matriculation on the Main Court lawn with
Dr Canuto is Director of Pre-Clinical Medical social distancing, and the JCR and MCR
and Veterinary Education at the University of organised outdoor activities to welcome
Cambridge’s School of Biological Sciences. She matriculands, including a picnic on the
was admitted as a Fellow of St Catharine’s in sports pitches and an ice cream stand.
March 2020 and started as Senior Tutor on
1 April 2020. Dr Canuto has 15 years of experience Throughout Michaelmas Term, the College
at the University of Cambridge, including her found ways to support students and
previous roles as Admissions Tutor (Sciences), preserve a sense of community spirit
College Lecturer, Director of Studies and despite the COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Tutor from her time at Fitzwilliam College. With the new lockdown in November, our
Continued...
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 3
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Dr Peter Candy (2019), Fellow and Sir John Baker Lecturer
Undergraduate matriculation with social distancing in October 2020
Ca
mb
welfare and catering teams collaborated Lent Term 2021
rid g
on a series of weekly online cook-a-long New national guidelines over the Christmas
e Inde
experiences designed to inject some fun period required all teaching and learning to
pe
into lockdown (see caths.cam.ac.uk/cook- be delivered online (except for PCGE, clinical
ndent
along-launched for further details). In medicine and clinical veterinary students)
December, when travel restrictions resulted and for students to remain where they were
in some undergraduate students remaining at that point in the vacation. We supported
in residence over the Christmas period, we students whatever their situation, including
organised festive crafts, meal boxes and a those who needed to return to Cambridge
shop for essential food and personal items. in any of the exceptional circumstances
allowed for by official guidelines. We
Lectures were delivered online throughout were confident that our COVID-secure
Michaelmas Term, with face-to-face small measures would continue to provide a safe
group teaching continuing where possible. environment for students in residence.
To make the most of this blended model, the
College provided risk assessments, guidance In January, we were able to confirm offers
and space to academic staff and students to applicants. Thanks to our ongoing Carmen Failla, Head Rowing Coach &
who were able to meet safely in person. engagement with talented students from Boathouse Manager, at the Boathouse when
backgrounds that have been under- it was illuminated for Pink Week 2021
The College also conducted admissions represented in higher education, over 83%
interviews entirely online in December, in of our 2021 UK offer-holders are from state Easter Term 2021: Starting my second year
place of the usual face-to-face interviews. schools (the University-wide admissions While restrictions for higher education
We took care to replicate much of the target for this group is 69.1% by 2024–25). remained until 17 May, the College could
normal interview experience and involved welcome back before then any students
current students as Catz Ambassadors, who In time for the lockdown in England that needing to return for personal reasons
were available in a virtual welcome room started in early January, we appointed a or to access our facilities (particularly
to offer a warm greeting and reassuring new counsellor and a mental health advisor important during the examination period).
insights about their own interviews and to expand the capacity and expertise of our Once online examinations were confirmed
life in College. Once again, the Admissions Welfare Team. In addition to two dedicated by the University, we opened up additional
Team helped the College successfully Postgraduate Welfare Tutors, we allocated study spaces and rooms for students who
navigate these new arrangements. a Postgraduate Tutor as a pastoral point of needed time away from their bedrooms.
contact for each postgraduate student. I am Easter Term also marked the return of
also grateful to our Head Rowing Coach for sports, alongside outdoor yoga, picnics
the encouragement we all received to stay and other events run by the JCR and MCR
Over 83% of our 2021 UK active while sports facilities were closed, with suitable precautions. I’m delighted
including regular Zoom sessions for students, that General Admission will be taking place
offer-holders are from staff and Fellows (reported in more detail at in person this July and we look forward to
state schools. caths.cam.ac.uk/stroke-of-genius). celebrating with our graduands.
4 | The Wheel 2021
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Alumnus completes
12 years at the helm
of the Boat Race
C
ambridge winning both the 75th
Women’s Gemini Boat Race and
the 166th Gemini Boat Race this
year was extra special for St Catharine’s,
as alumnus David Searle (1974, Modern
and Medieval Languages) confirmed that it
was his last race as Executive Director on
the Board of The Boat Race Company Ltd
(BRCL). Since 2009, David has overseen
the event on behalf of the competing
student athletes to ensure operational
excellence and showcase its heritage.
During his time at Cambridge, David
represented the College, raced in the
Goldie boat in 1975, earned his Blue in 1976
and served as President of the Cambridge
University Boat Club (CUBC) in 1977. He
also served on the CUBC committee for David at 5 in the College’s May Boat in 1975, when the blade-winning crew bumped Trinity Hall,
many years before joining the BRCL team. Emmanuel, Clare and Selwyn
Even with this considerable experience, and training are difficult enough under Looking back, David is pleased with what
staging the 2021 event was particularly normal circumstances, so it is remarkable he has achieved and glad to be taking a
difficult for David and his wider team. that they were able to prepare alone from step back:
On top of public health restrictions, and home or College accommodation during
contending with widespread interest after lockdown. The racing was exceptionally “The Boat Race has always been an
the 2020 event was cancelled, there was good and very tight, without clear water important part of my life and I am
a further challenge when the 133-year-old between boats at any point. The Women’s looking forward to my return to being an
Hammersmith Bridge was closed from Boat Race was a particularly memorable enthusiastic spectator – and to actually
13 August 2020 due to safety concerns. one because the lead changed a couple of enjoying the day! I am delighted to have
times before Cambridge crossed the line contributed to the latest chapter in the rich
David explains, “Our priority for 2021 was in front. I was impressed that Cambridge history of St Catharine’s involvement in the
the safety of everyone involved, including were able to outperform the favourites in Boat Race and CUBC: from the golden era
spectators. Ely soon emerged as the the Men’s Boat Race, with the underdogs of the 1960s brought to life in an article
obvious location, with its good boathouse maintaining a lead over Oxford from the by Douglas Calder (1957, English)1 and the
facilities and a course that offered the best very start.” four CUBC presidents from Catz during
shot of being able to host a closed event. the 1970s, to George Nash MBE (2008,
I’m enormously grateful for the support Engineering) racing three times in the Blue
of our established partners, and the Boat between 2010 and 2013, this last as
additional public bodies, who all helped Our priority for 2021 President. George also brought huge credit
the event happen this year.” was the safety of everyone to the College, and The Boat Race, with his
gutsy Olympic Bronze Medal in the Coxless
“I take my hat off to all the crews for their
involved, including Pair at London 2012 and the glorious Gold
outstanding performances on the day. Trials spectators. in the Coxless Four at Rio in 2016.”
Calder, D. SCCBC in the 1960s. St Catharine’s College Boat Club. Available online: http://www.boatclub.caths.cam.ac.uk/node/24
1.
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 5
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Providing safe
accommodation to women
and children escaping
domestic abuse
LADY WELLAND (2020), FELLOW COMMONER
C
ambridge Women’s Aid (CWA) permanent arrangements could be put in
Simon Durrant
is a charity with which I am a place. Between 27 April and 3 September
longstanding volunteer and whose 2020, 23 women and children benefited
aims I strongly support. Members of from the safety, comfort and security of
St Catharine’s have also supported CWA over life in College, with CCTV and our team
a number of years, and it continues to be a of porters operating 24/7. In total, the
popular cause for JCR and MCR fundraising. partnership provided 1,456 nights of
safe accommodation.
When the first lockdown hit the UK, these
connections meant that many of us in Towards the end of the summer, Angie
College realised how the restrictions might told us what the partnership had meant
affect households experiencing domestic for her team: “Not only did the pop-up
abuse. On the College’s behalf, I contacted accommodation provide a true sanctuary
Angie Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at to women and their children at a dreadful
CWA, to offer our support. time in their lives, it also meant CWA
actually provided an enhanced service
At that point in the pandemic, students during lockdown instead of a reduced
were advised to leave Cambridge. The service as was common for many UK
College was committed to providing a place organisations. This partnership gave my The College provided a “true sanctuary”
to stay for the small number of students team breathing space to work out a lot for women and their families
who were unable to leave. However, it was of practical challenges associated with
clear that some of our properties would be COVID-19 and gave us time to discover new We wanted to ensure that our partnership
unused until September. ways of working that will stand us in good had a lasting legacy beyond the
stead going forward.” summer. While Angie and I had never
Discussions with CWA unsurprisingly before done media interviews, we
focused on accommodation. Angie was It was also overwhelming for me and others volunteered to speak with the BBC, ITV
honest with us about the shortage of to know that those living at St Catharine’s and The Guardian to spread the word about
refuge spaces and subsequent research had a positive experience, as exemplified our novel approach and inspire others to
found a 41% reduction nationwide in the by just two of the comments that CWA open up space for families in the future.
number of refuge vacancies between passed on to us:
23 March and 31 May 2020, compared to Thank you to the St Catharine’s community
the same period in 2019.1 In response, we “I am incredibly grateful to St Catharine’s for for embracing the opportunity to help
found an imaginative way to open up their thoughtful kindness. At the moment, I women and children in need. The College
accommodation that would otherwise can’t find the words to explain what it has is also appreciative of the support of the
have stood empty. meant to me and my daughter, and the Monday Charitable Trust. I sincerely hope
psychological safety it has offered us.” others will be able to learn from and build
We offered our vacant accommodation upon our experience, and I’m delighted
free-of-charge to CWA for use as “pop-up “You all played an important first part of my that conversations are already underway
respite beds” – a short-term solution while new journey of my future happiness. My to explore how the College might continue
time spent at St Catharine’s was very good: to support and assist women starting new
1. Davidge, S. A Perfect Storm. August 2020 comfortable and so quiet!” lives after abusive relationships.
6 | The Wheel 2021
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Celebrating Black
History Month
JOSIE ARCHER (2019, MODERN AND MEDIEVAL LANGUAGES) AND
DANIELLE WRIGHT (2019, LAND ECONOMY), JCR BAME REPRESENTATIVES 2020–21
L
ooking back on our year as BAME We were also incredibly proud to
(Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) see that the College flew the national
representatives on the JCR flag of the Bahamas on 1 October to
Committee, it has been a challenging commemorate Alfred F. Adderley and
time for our community, but still one of signify the start of Black History Month.
opportunity and empowerment. We are This attracted interest from broadcasters
particularly proud of the activities that we and online media, who wanted to find
organised during Black History Month in out more about our activities. It was
October 2020 to celebrate over a century exciting to have TV crews in College for
of Black students, staff and Fellows at interviews with the Master, Danielle and
St Catharine’s. • Dedicated services in the College’s L’myah (restrictions had eased so she
Chapel; and could travel to join us). You can explore
We wanted to use our time as BAME • The inaugural Self Care Forum for the resulting media coverage at
Officers to embrace these histories and Black and BAME students hosted online caths.cam.ac.uk/bhm-flag
have a lasting impact on the College, by alumna Dr Samara Linton (2008,
and this drive stemmed from when we Medical Sciences). Given Alfred F. Adderley’s breadth of
first learnt about the Black history of interests and legacy of support for
St Catharine’s. Back in February 2020, we We hope that events like these will continue St Catharine’s, we like to think he
attended the College’s seminar on ‘Legacies in the future, and that the St Catharine’s would welcome the programme that
of Enslavement’ and were inspired by the community remains committed to we organised for Black History Month
College’s earliest Black alumni. As part embracing our shared history, taking pride and share our hope that these activities
of her research into the College archives, in the stories of Black students and alumni, might inspire students to write the next
L’myah Ross-Walcott (2019, International and ensuring that our legacies endure. chapter in our Black history.
Relations and Politics) found that Bahamas-
born Alfred F. Adderley CBE (1912, Law)
Binky Nixon
was the earliest Black alumnus on record.1,2
Black History Month is traditionally held
in October (in the UK, at least) in part to
nurture pride and a sense of identity for
students starting the new academic year.
Last October marked the return of students
to Cambridge for the first time since March
– and even the regular preparations by the
JCR and the College were complicated by
changing public health restrictions.
With the support of others in College,
we worked hard to find creative ways to
embrace our Black history, including:
• Celebrations of Black composers, spoken
word and art;
• An exhibition and accompanying video
featuring Black members of the College The flag of the Bahamas flying on 1 October; Josie (left) and Danielle (right) spent weeks
community, past and present; planning Black History Month activities
1. Legacies of Enslavement: Insights from a recent seminar. Available online: caths.cam.ac.uk/seminar-summary
2. Alfred Francis Adderley CBE. Available online: caths.cam.ac.uk/about-us/history/black-history/a-f-adderley
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 7
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Springboard to success
Reflections on our Junior Research Fellowships
T
he modern Research Fellowship at brain, with the ambition of using this to
St Catharine’s dates from just after discover more about the biology of mental
the Second World War. Since then, health conditions. All this has been possible
the College has elected Senior and Junior thanks to the intellectual freedom afforded
Research Fellowships. To name just one by my Junior Research Fellowship.”
of many examples, readers may recall the
Heller Research Fellowship in computer Despite being new to St Catharine’s when
science supported over a decade by the starting their Junior Research Fellowships,
generosity of Fellow Commoners Sir Michael Sir Chris, Professor Brundin and Dr Warrier
(1995, Economics) and Lady Heller (2003). speak fondly of their early experiences.
Sir Chris recalls, “I realised how lucky I
Current ordinances provide for the was to be surrounded by so many brilliant
appointment of Junior Research and supportive colleagues – in fact, too
Fellowships. These are open to individuals many to list. It was, and remains to this
who have recently completed their PhD or day, a warm, unpretentious community.”
who are close to completion. Successful Dr Warrier agrees: “I have always felt
candidates are chosen from a very large welcomed and supported, which makes
field of applicants, and elected to three- St Catharine’s stand out from the rest.”
year Fellowships. Typically, calls for
applications alternate each year between Professor Abigail Brundin, During her three years, Professor Brundin
the humanities and sciences, and the former Junior Research Fellow not only wrote her first book, Vittoria
College does not interview candidates, in Colonna: Sonnets for Michelangelo, but was
order to treat applications equally. The benefit to early career researchers also the first Junior Research Fellow to take
Professor Sir Chris Clark (1990), Ostrer maternity leave when she gave birth to her
Now a Professorial Fellow of St Catharine’s Professorial Fellow in History at St Catharine’s daughter Adelaide (now 18 years old).
and Professor of Italian at the University and Regius Professor of History at the
of Cambridge, Abigail Brundin (2000) University of Cambridge, speaks highly “It was a game-changing moment for
explains how the process worked when of the security and freedom offered my academic confidence and self-belief,”
she was awarded her Junior Research by Junior Research Fellowships: “The explains Professor Brundin. “Before my
Fellowship: “I didn’t know anyone at Catz early phases of an academic’s career
at the time and yet the College elected me are inherently fragile, and it is difficult to
on the strength of my CV and submitted thrive in the midst of this insecurity. In
work alone, which gave me a sense that the contrast, a Junior Research Fellowship
College didn’t care if I was ‘the right kind provides three years of freedom to extend
of person’. This ‘blinded’ approach leaves your intellectual journey – from the safety
no room for unconscious bias and means of a sheltered enclave that protects
successful candidates represent academic you from the storm-like shifts in fashion
excellence in all its various forms.” that ordinarily disrupt academic life.”
Dr Varun Warrier (2019), one of our current
Junior Research Fellows, also emphasises
the importance of this freedom: “I have
This ‘blinded’ approach been able to develop and pursue my own
leaves no room for research ideas. Last summer, I published
findings in Nature Communications that
unconscious bias and
transgender and gender diverse individuals
means successful are more likely to report being autistic
candidates represent compared to cisgender individuals,
suggesting the need for greater acceptance
academic excellence in and support. Now, I am working to Professor Sir Chris Clark,
all its various forms. understand the genetic architecture of the former Junior Research Fellow
8 | The Wheel 2021
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
CatzPeople
Members share their stories
W
e love hearing where St Catharine’s has taken you since graduation.
This year, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and thank
all of our Members who have dedicated their careers to international
development and humanitarian work.
DR KHALID MAHGOUB
(1991, Natural Sciences)
Where it started: After completing
Dr Varun Warrier, my PhD at Catz, I was interviewed
Bowring Research Fellow at the World Intellectual Property
Organization, part of the United
three-year term ended, I was awarded Nations (UN), because my scientific
a permanent position in the Faculty of background was relevant to issues
Modern and Medieval Languages and surrounding the Human Genome
Linguistics. Having already grown deep and project. Although the interview went well,
lasting loyalty to Catz, I applied to remain there were delays so I ended up joining
as an Official Fellow and was overjoyed the World Health Organization on a short-
when my application was approved by the term project, before joining the UN High
College’s Governing Body.” Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The value to the College How it’s going: I am Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Kirehe, Rwanda.
Junior Research Fellows are not members Working for UNHCR has also taken me to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco,
of Governing Body and are expected, Zambia, Pakistan (twice), Iran, Tanzania, Lebanon and South Africa. It is a
nowadays, at least, to focus on their demanding tough job – away from home and sometimes in very remote areas
research. Their findings are shared with with difficult living conditions – but it is extremely rewarding when I help to
both junior and senior colleagues, at protect refugees and find durable solutions for their plight. This requires the
seminars and other College events, which support of countries and international organisations, which can be challenging
contributes to the prestige and vibrancy as this is often dependent on funds and the political will of governments.
of the College. As Professor Brundin
notes: “Junior Research Fellowships Words of advice: There is a big world out there waiting for Catz graduates. Your
are a key route into postgraduate work, empathy, your help, your humanity and your expertise can help others in need.
internationally recognised and particularly Continued...
vital in the humanities. Candidates apply
to us from all over the world, enriching our
academic community and forming lasting
ties with the College.”
While many researchers choose to remain
at St Catharine’s, a Junior Research
Fellowship can also serve as a springboard
to a senior appointment at another
Cambridge College or leading university.
When this happens, it raises the profile
of St Catharine’s and demonstrates our
broader public benefit. Sir Chris notes, “We
are so proud of the career paths that our
Junior Research Fellows have taken. It is St Catharine’s always enjoys hearing from our Members and friends. If you
through this rich tapestry of connections have any news or achievements, please do not hesitate to be in touch
that Cambridge is able to remain a major with the Alumni and Development Office: alumni.office@caths.cam.ac.uk
international hub in academic research.”
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 9
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
DR HARRIET TORLESSE CHINE MCDONALD
(1991, Archaeology & Anthropology) (2002, Theology)
How it started: I can trace my postgraduate studies and career Where it started: I dreamed
in international development to studying child nutrition in of becoming the editor-
Sudan for my dissertation, supported by a College travel grant. in-chief of The Guardian.
After graduation, I completed a PhD in nutrition and then During my time at Catz, I
moved overseas. My work since has focused on maternal and was news editor of Varsity
child nutrition in various African and Asian countries, primarily and societies editor of the
for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). St Catharine’s Magazine.
While I initially worked in
How it is going: I recently returned to the UK after serving both print and online news,
as the Regional Nutrition Advisor at the UNICEF Regional I soon refocused on public
Office for South Asia, based in Nepal. Working in international sector communications. My first
development means you move countries frequently, which development charity was at
can disrupt family life. I want my children to be able to live in World Vision and I subsequently
one place while they are at secondary school and build some moved to Christian Aid.
roots. I now work for the UNICEF New York office, remotely
from the UK. How it’s going: I am head of community fundraising and
public engagement at Christian Aid. Fundraising supports
Words of advice: Relevant work programmes around the world that aim to encourage
experience is highly valued, sustainable development, eradicate poverty, support civil
so flexibility and creativity society and provide disaster relief. The sense of community
will help to get a foot in and communication skills gained at Catz help when working
the door. Prepare to with people from all walks of life, including colleagues,
start out in remote journalists, supporters, donors and external stakeholders
or conflict-affected such as bishops and prime ministers.
settings, where
postings may not Words of advice: The development sector spans a number
attract experienced of different types of roles so know what you are aiming for
candidates. Take and approach someone who has that job for advice on their
what is on offer – it career path. If you are unable to break into international
could be the stepping development straight away, consider smaller charities where
stone to where you you can practise being an all-rounder before homing in on
really want to be. particular skills.
GAIA REYES
(2016, Human, Social and Political Sciences)
How it’s going: I work on digital strategy and
Where it started: Before graduating from communications in the Executive Director’s
St Catharine’s, I interned with the Philippine Office at UN Women, based in New York
Delegation to the UN Paris Climate City. I focus on developing new, innovative
Agreement, and news outlets including ways of engaging the next generation with
the BBC and The Times. the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
and gender equality. I am also on the Panel
These experiences shaped my interest in of Young Advisors to Chatham House (The
international affairs and visual storytelling. Royal Institute of International Affairs) and
Having long admired the United Nations, I serve as a UK Delegate to the G20 Youth
was excited to start my first role after university Engagement Group.
with the Ending Violence Against Women policy
division at UN Women and The Spotlight Initiative, Words of advice: International development is
an EU-UN global partnership to combat gender- deeply tied to globalisation and postcolonialism,
based violence. so it is critical to interrogate the historical context of the field.
Being open and receptive to different cultures, languages
and people is especially important when navigating larger
international organisations.
10 | The Wheel 2021ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
BioRISC
Improving the links between
science and policy makers
T
hanks to the generosity of the David Professor William
and Claudia Harding Foundation, the Sutherland (2008),
team at the Biosecurity Research Environment
Initiative at St Catharine’s (BioRISC) has Fellow and Miriam
continued to grow its profile as a world- Rothschild Professor of
class research hub. Since its launch in 2019, Conservation Biology,
BioRISC has generated over 30 peer-reviewed comments, “BioRISC
publications about existing and emerging has been ahead of the
biological security risks and interventions. curve because our focus
has been to improve
An increasingly important area of activity the understanding
has been developing tools to improve links of science and technology by public The BioRISC team. Standing (left–right):
between the scientific community and policy professionals and vice versa. We Lord Des Browne (2019), Dr Phil Martin,
policy makers, so the former can provide are finding ways to make science more Dr Mairi Kilkenny (2016), Professor William
the latter with cutting-edge, evidence- useful to policy makers, with the best Sutherland (2008), Dr Gorm Shackelford, Emma
Collingbine, Dr Hazem Kandil (2012). Seated:
based information (see table). tools and information available.”
Dr Luke Kemp, Dr Catherine Rhodes, Dr David
Aldridge (1997). Not pictured: Dr Sam Weiss
Lord Des Browne (2019), Fellow Commoner, These tools encourage strategic thinking
Evans, Dr Belinda Gallardo, Dr Lauren Holt,
adds, “None of us who have lived through and aid quick and easy understanding of
Dr Seán Ó hÉigeartaigh and Dr Lalitha Sundaram
the COVID-19 pandemic can be in any scientific evidence. Lord Browne explains,
doubt about the value of policy makers “We need accessible ways for policy makers
having a proper understanding of the to look at the available evidence, in real be available quickly so policy makers can
latest scientific evidence and how to time rather than having to wait sometimes test their assumptions along the way and
apply this knowledge effectively.” for months. Ideally, relevant evidence would pursue the most sensible routes.”
TOOLS PRODUCED BY BIORISC TO SUPPORT POLICY MAKERS
TOOL PURPOSE EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES
Horizon scanning Identify future issues and opportunities • A bioengineering horizon scan1
Research Identify questions that, if answered, would • 80 questions for UK biological security2
prioritisation be most useful to policy and practice
Solution scanning Identify a range of options for a given • A solution scan on preventing future zoonotic epidemics3
problem generated significant media interest and over 6,000 downloads
of the preprint in 8 weeks
• A
solution scan on reducing the spread of COVID-194 was
reported by >70 media outlets and was used by the Irish
government for post-lockdown planning
Fault tree analysis Understand the impact of public policy • A set of fault trees for each of the main areas of biosecurity
decisions • Examples of real-world case studies including freshwater
invasive species
Dynamic synthesis Make evidence immediately accessible and • A database covering a range of invasive species, which users
save users time when they want to extract can interrogate in as little as 20 minutes
evidence across fields on an industrial scale
1. Kemp, L. et al. eLife. 2020; 9. elifesciences.org/articles/54489 3. Petrovan, S. et al. osf.io/5jx3g
2. Kemp, L. et al. PLoS ONE. 2021; 16(1). doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241190 4. Sutherland, W.J. et al. osf.io/ca5rh
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 11ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
THANK YOU
for supporting St Catharine’s in 2020–21
PROFESSOR SIR MARK WELLAND (2016), MASTER, AND
DEBORAH LOVELUCK (2007), FELLOW AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
W
e are delighted to share with you who has given so generously to the College,
an update on the progress of the especially given the unusual circumstances so
‘Our College, Our Future’ campaign. many of us have faced during the past year.
Launched in January 2019, the campaign Your support enables us to protect and preserve
aims to secure £65 million to strengthen and St Catharine’s in perpetuity.
sustain your College for current students
and future generations – the largest ever Central to the campaign is our commitment
philanthropic campaign in our history. to provide a world-class education in a
supportive environment and to renew our
The ongoing response to the campaign’s vital buildings and spaces so that our students
goals has been inspiring. Thanks to our donors, can fulfil their extraordinary potential. Your
as of May 2021, we have already raised £53 million. continued support will ensure that we achieve
We have received gifts from Members aged 22 our campaign goals and enhance our students’
to 96, living in 30 countries around the world. experiences for generations to come. For further
information regarding our campaign, please
On behalf of the St Catharine’s community, visit: campaign.caths.cam.ac.uk or contact:
we would like to thank each and every donor alumni.office@caths.cam.ac.uk.
THE ‘OUR COLLEGE, Giving to St Catharine’s in 2020–21
OUR FUTURE’ CAMPAIGN All figures cover 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021
£53 MILLION IN GIFTS AND
PLEDGES TOWARDS OUR
£65 MILLION TARGET
£10,409,488 £4,648,319 639
Our campaign priorities: IN DONATIONS IN FURTHER DONORS MADE A
• A world-class education for our RECEIVED PLEDGES REGULAR GIFT
students in a supportive environment
that promotes academic aspiration,
diversity and welfare.
A TOTAL OF
• A selective planned renewal of buildings 1,066 OUR YOUNGEST
£167,962
and spaces to ensure current students PEOPLE DONOR WAS
and College Members enjoy a high LIVING IN 22 YEARS OLD WAS DONATED
BY INDIVIDUAL
standard of living and access to state-
30 AND OUR OLDEST
DONATIONS OF
of-the-art facilities. DONOR WAS
• To strengthen College finances by
COUNTRIES
DONATED 96 YEARS OLD £500
expanding our revenue base, building OR LESS
up our endowment and managing
our investments ethically to maximise
support for our students and attract
world-class academics. 52% 74%
• Fostering student wellbeing through
98%
outstanding pastoral care.
• Developing our people to best serve
our College community. COLLEGE LIFE BUILDINGS & SPACES STUDENT SUPPORT
12 | The Wheel 2021ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Building an even
brighter future
St Catharine’s is proud to be a home from home, where friendships are
formed that last a lifetime and students live together, learn together
and support each other through a special sense of community.
A
s part of the ‘Our College, the McGrath Centre delivered immediate New Development
Our Future’ campaign, a
selective planned renewal of
benefits by creating more space and light
@ St Chad’s
in the foyer. These stairs will become a
buildings is in progress to support the vital connection to a new Garden Room Our new development at St Chad’s will
St Catharine’s community. This will and atrium, that will provide much-needed provide two additional houses
create a supported living, learning and direct and accessible routes between containing 23 bedrooms, as well as
working environment for our students student rooms to the bar, the Shakeshaft generous communal study and social
and will ensure that all students Library and the McGrath auditorium. spaces. This will complement the
can be accommodated in buildings existing and very popular second-year
entirely owned by St Catharine’s. Careful consideration has been given accommodation and green space. Full
to protecting and showcasing our planning permission has been received
Our Central Spaces
heritage. Our extensive collection of and the target start date for this project
rare books will be housed in a purpose- is Summer 2022. The estimated cost of
Essential renovation works are now built store, complete with a new reading this project is in the region of £6 million.
well underway for the College’s Central room for students, Fellows and visiting
Spaces project. This £16 million project scholars. In addition, the atrium will If you would like any further information
will renovate and modernise the spaces present an opportunity to display about donating to this new development,
at the heart of the Island site to provide a selection of these rare books. please contact Deborah Loveluck, Fellow
our community with an elegant and and Director of Development:
accessible suite of buildings, and enhance Work is now commencing on the development.director@caths.cam.ac.uk.
the experience of future generations of foundations for the new Dining Hall
students, alumni, staff, Fellows and visitors. and adjoining spaces. We anticipate
that this project will be completed in
The College was delighted when an early the summer of 2022 and look forward
phase of the project was completed in to sharing updates as we near this
spring 2021. Relocating the staircase in important milestone.
Artist’s impression of the New
Development @ St Chad’s
”Our Members know that our
buildings play an important role
in creating an atmosphere
conducive to learning and
fostering a strong sense of
community. Our plans will ensure
that our facilities provide these
benefits for many years to come.”
Dr Peter Wothers, Fellow and
Artist’s impression of Chapel Court, looking west towards the new President (1988, Natural Sciences)
garden room with the new Hall beyond
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 13Widening participation
ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Phil Mynott
Left to right: Dr Ivan Scales (2008, Undergraduate Admissions Tutor for Arts and Humanities), Kathryn Singleton
(Schools Liaison Officer), and Dr David Bainbridge (2003, Undergraduate Admissions Tutor for Sciences)
S
t Catharine’s is committed to with substituted resources for in-person many obstacles to widening participation,
attracting the best and brightest activities. She has also organised an St Catharine’s rose to the challenge and
young minds regardless of impressive total of 95 webinars for delivered an outstanding programme
circumstances. We have a track record prospective students, including subject- of events and resources for schools and
of successfully engaging with talented specific events, Q&A discussions and applicants across the UK. In fact, we were
students from backgrounds that have informative, upbeat sessions dedicated to one of the first Cambridge Colleges to move
traditionally been under-represented in student welfare, led by Mary Simuyandi, our activities online. Our undergraduate
higher education. Over 83% of our 2021 the College’s Welfare Officer. helpers, the ‘Catz Ambassadors’, have been
UK offer holders are from state schools, a credit to the College, supporting me with
surpassing the University Admissions The transition to online activities enabled an incredible array of virtual events: from
average of 72.7% across all Colleges. This the College to reach more students than ever sessions dedicated to specific subjects and
is due to a firmly-held commitment to before, attracting 7,100 participants to events the mental wellbeing support available in
widening participation, which has remained run by St Catharine’s since spring 2020. College, to interactive mock supervisions and
strong throughout the pandemic. interview workshops. I’m looking forward
Kathryn also worked alongside student to building on the experiences and skills
COVID-19 and associated restrictions representatives to bring about a virtual accrued this year to ensure virtual outreach
disrupted in-person teaching across the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) remains a core part of the College’s widening
country and prevented students from access day in collaboration with Queens’ participation strategy in the future.”
visiting the College. A network of students, College, Cambridge. The event welcomed
Fellows and staff have sprung into action 94 attendees across three online sessions
to provide innovative approaches to covering the sciences, arts and humanities,
outreach activities, coordinated by Schools and life at Cambridge. The transition to online
Liaison Officer, Kathryn Singleton.
activities enabled the
The College’s creative response to the
Kathryn has worked hard to collate a pandemic has strengthened relationships College to reach more
library of online resources with other with schools and other partners. As Kathryn students than ever before.
Cambridge Colleges to provide teachers comments, “Although the last year brought
Gemma Deacon (2020, History) developed a passion for history Ali Jassam (2020, Mathematics) attended the Chelsea Academy,
at Thomas Gainsborough School in Suffolk – a secondary a co-educational Church of England secondary school and sixth
state school paired with St Catharine’s. Prior to the pandemic, form with an established connection to The Access Project
Gemma was able to discover the benefits of studying at (TAP). TAP is an educational charity that supports students from
St Catharine’s through a school visit to College, a subject disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education, through
taster day and a regional event with the College’s Admissions a unique combination of tuition and in-school mentoring.
Tutors and Schools Liaison Officer. “These outreach activities
were pivotal and helped break down my misconceptions of Ali was able to join a TAP trip to St Catharine’s in Year 12,
Cambridge. My early glimpses of the supportive culture at Catz which was a life-changing visit for him. “St Catharine’s
turned out to be pretty accurate given the tutorial and welfare support for outreach activities is so important because a lot
provision available to me now.” of applicants in my situation might be deterred from applying
because of their circumstances.”
Read about Gemma’s experience:
caths.cam.ac.uk/gemmas-story Read about Ali’s experience: caths.cam.ac.uk/alis-story
14 | The Wheel 2021ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Recognising our donors
Glen Caveliero Fellowship Recognising your
support
The Rev’d Dr Glen Tilburn Cavaliero
FRSL (1965) was a member of the All donations, whatever the amount,
College for 54 years, first as an affiliated are greatly appreciated. Donors of
student, then as a Research Fellow, and £500 or more are invited with a guest,
finally as a Fellow Commoner. to the annual garden party, traditionally
held in June at St Catharine’s. There
Dr Cavaliero (1927–2019) was an are also two giving circles:
affiliated lecturer in the English Faculty
and lecturer for the Board of Extra- The 1473 Foundation recognises
Mural Studies. For many years, he Members and friends who have shown
supervised English tripos papers and their support for the College’s strategic
dissertations both for students of aims through their extraordinary
St Catharine’s and of other Colleges, How you can help? generosity. Donors whose lifetime
only retiring in 2015. giving is £50,000 or greater are invited
St Catharine’s is now in the final to join.
Dr Cavaliero was a highly respected stages of the ‘Our College, Our Future’
poet, scholar and critic. He was a campaign, which seeks to raise £65 The Woodlark Society recognises
great supporter of the College, by his million to invest in world-class teaching all those who have pledged to
presence at College events to welcome and research, provide generous student support St Catharine’s through legacy
and support new Fellows, students and support initiatives, enrich College life giving. Members receive tailored
guests, and by his steady advocacy and execute a planned renewal of our communications and an annual lunch
of our guiding principles – intellectual buildings and spaces. Your support in College.
freedom, personal integrity and kindness. is vital so that we can realise our
strategic plans for the benefit of
In recognition of Dr Cavaliero’s our students and to strengthen and
lifelong commitment to the College sustain St Catharine’s for generations
and his generous legacy, St Catharine’s to come. Telephone
is delighted to have established Campaign 2021
the Glen Caveliero Fellowship in English. You can visit the ‘Our College, Our
Fellow and close friend of Dr Cavaliero, Future’ campaign site (www.campaign. Thank you to all of our Members who
Dr Caroline Gonda (1996) has caths.cam.ac.uk) for further information. participated in this year’s Telephone
been chosen as the inaugural Glen Gifts can be made on a one-off basis or Fundraising Campaign. Between 20–30
Caveliero Fellow. as regular donations. A donation form March 2021, ten student callers spoke
is included as part of this publication. with over 600 Members from all around
the world. Thanks to you, we have raised
over £150,000 towards the Annual
Please contact the Alumni Fund, which will enable us to provide a
and Development Office if world-class education for our students
you would like to discuss your in a supportive environment, enhance
support: +44 (0)1223 338337 our students’ experiences and execute
or giving@caths.cam.ac.uk. a planned renewal of our buildings
and spaces.
Fellow Benefactors
We are proud of the world-class education within a supportive environment that we
provide for our students. Occasionally this attracts the interest of individuals who are not
members of our community. We are delighted to announce that St Catharine’s Governing
Body has decided to create a new tier of recognition for non-member benefactors who
choose to gift £1 million or more to the College.
The Revd Dr Glen Tilburn Cavaliero FRSL (1965)
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 15ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
Medicine at St Catharine’s:
Reflecting on our past,
present and future
The College is rightly proud Standing on the shoulders of giants
of its history of educating Among the many physicians who have graduated
exceptional doctors and from St Catharine’s is John Addenbrooke, who
how its Members have was a Scholar, Fellow, Lecturer and Bursar of the
advanced the quality of College. He left a legacy of £4,500 in his will to
care for patients. Three of build “a small physical hospital for poor people,"
our younger medics kindly which the College used to found the hospital in
shared their reflections on Cambridge that still bears his name.
the past, present and future
of medicine at St Catharine’s. For MCR Co-president Souradip Mookerjee (2013,
Medical Sciences), this history is a source of
inspiration: “While the College’s central location
was certainly a factor, I also applied to
St Catharine’s because of its historical
links with medicine. Now I have
embarked on the clinical phase of
my studies, it is a proud moment
in my daily routine when I
pass the plaque displayed at MCR Co-president Souradip Mookerjee
the hospital, which bears the
names of John Addenbrooke The evolution of medical studies
and St Catharine’s. Alongside Teaching and education in the 21st century
Ca m b
our very well-known alumni, would be unrecognisable for Addenbrooke and
ridg
it is important to remember his contemporaries. The University Calendar for
eU
the jobbing doctors who 1702 states that ‘A student of medicine in this
n ive
have dedicated themselves to University is not required to attend any lectures
rs
it y
improving the lives of patients every but is left to acquire his knowledge from such
H
sp
o
ita
ls
NH day, including those on the frontlines sources as his discretion may point out’.
SF
ou n
dati during the pandemic. This more recent
o n Trust
legacy is equally inspiring for me!” Alumna Dr Caitríona Cox (2011, Medical Sciences),
who now works as a National Institute for Health
Rhiannon Osborne (2016, Medical Sciences) Research-funded academic clinical fellow at
adds, “For me, medicine is very much a social The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute
justice issue, so it was fascinating to learn that in Cambridge, welcomes this progress and the
Addenbrooke specified that the charitable support available to current students: “I am very
hospital founded in his memory should serve grateful to all the supervisors who provided such
the needs of the poor, recognising that everyone great teaching and support. Studying medicine
deserves access to medical treatment. I am was of course challenging at times (memories
particularly grateful to have received the John of our pathology exams are enough to bring
Addenbrooke scholarship from the College, on a cold sweat), but the support of the Catz
which I have used to fund a range of activism community was enough to get me and my fellow
work focusing on health equity and access medics through!”
to medicines.”1
Read more about Rhiannon’s recent work on global public health at caths.cam.ac.uk/global-public-health
1.
16 | The Wheel 2021ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE
“We have some brilliant teachers, researchers and the first female medical student was
and a tight-knit medic community who look out admitted in 1980 – a strikingly recent date!
for each other,” Rhiannon adds. “Saying that, it Sadly, some remnants of women’s exclusion
hasn’t always been easy and there were plenty from medicine are alive and well: from men
of times when I needed support, and I was making up the majority of senior NHS positions,
grateful for the guidance available.” to the underfunding of research into women’s
health conditions. I look forward to more
Souradip is part of the MB/PhD programme, women practising and teaching in an equitable
which enables student to integrate a three- workplace as we work to dismantle all forms of
year period of research with their clinical discrimination in medicine.”
education. He has returned to clinical studies
after completing his PhD and singles out our Souradip reflects, “In the last five years alone,
Fellows’ support: “Catz students benefit from medicine has changed beyond recognition “Having first qualified as a
the expertise of our Fellowship in both medicine with the development and approval of mining engineer in South
and the biological sciences more broadly. For immunotherapies for cancer, antisense Africa, I inherited sufficient
example, Professor Stefan Marciniak (2011) leads oligonucleotides for genetic conditions and money to decide I might be
the MB/PhD programme and I was delighted to more. Amidst the excitement around scientific a better doctor and came to
have the opportunity to publish a paper with advances, it is important to remember that London to study medicine at
him.2 I have also gained a broader understanding the human body has not changed very much Guy’s Hospital. I trained as a
of how the human body works than I would have in all that time, and neither has the core of cardiovascular surgeon and
anywhere else, thanks to Fellows who are so empathy and trust that all good doctor-patient was appointed consultant at
generous with their time and insights.” relationships are built on.” Papworth and Addenbrooke’s
Hospitals. It was at Papworth
Recent advances in modern medicine The COVID-19 pandemic has understandably in 1979, after 5 years of
Since the College’s foundation, medicine has changed the work of alumni in medicine. preparation and overcoming
changed dramatically. Successive generations have Dr Cox explains, “The pandemic has various difficulties, that my
been responsible for transforming medical practice, necessitated research in diverse areas of team and I carried out Britain’s
as exemplified by former Master and Honorary medicine, and it has been rewarding to work first successful heart transplant.
Fellow Sir Terence English (1993) who notably led on the ethical issues surrounding public health We then went on to become
the team who performed Britain’s first successful measures. I can trace my fascination with this recognised as one of the best
heart transplant and has since supported field of research back to a medical history and and busiest heart and lung
improvements to primary trauma care in Gaza. ethics paper during my third year at Catz. Most transplant hospitals in Europe.
recently, as part of the ethics of asymptomatic My subsequent role as Master
Rhiannon pinpoints the admission of women COVID-19 testing programmes, I have been of St Catharine’s (1993–2000)
as an important development: “The Catz40 studying the schemes introduced by higher provided some very different
celebrations reminded us that the first female education institutions, including the weekly and interesting experiences
undergraduates arrived at the College in 1979, testing available to students at Catz.”3 which I thoroughly enjoyed.”
SIR TERENCE ENGLISH
(1993) HONORARY FELLOW
AND FORMER MASTER
Catch up with the
latest research
news from our
Fellows in
medicine and
other subjects at
caths.cam.ac.uk/
research-news
Dr Caitríona Cox (kneeling, second from right) and Rhiannon Osborne (standing, far right)
were part of the victorious 2017 Cuppers mixed hockey squad
Malzer, E., Dominicus, C.S., Chambers, J.E. et al. The integrated stress response regulates BMP signalling through effects on translation. BMC Biol.
2.
2018. 16; 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-018-0503-x
3. Read more about how St Catharine’s students and staff contributed to Dr Cox’s research at caths.cam.ac.uk/ethics-covid-19
www.caths.cam.ac.uk | 17You can also read
