Darwin College Cambridge

22/09/2026

A large white bunting-strewn tent has incongruously appeared in an idyllic English garden. Over the coming weeks we'll be introduced to this year's cast of fabulously varied characters, all with their own back story, and all bursting with extraordinary talent.

The return of the Great British Bake Off? No, it's the Darwin College Welcome Tent, open now to greet the new arrivals of 2026. But if it's cake you're after, the cafe's open too. Welcome to Darwin!

08/09/2026

If you're compiling a back-to-school reading list, here's a little something to add to it! The summer issue of the Darwinian is currently on its way to alumni around the world, packed with profiles, interviews, news and stories.

With a particular focus this time on Darwinians working on the History and Philosophy of Science, it ranges from climate science to chocolate; from the under-appreciated work of 19th women scientists to the impact of automation on society; from 18th century botanists' debt to Indigenous knowledge, to interpretations of the natural world in ancient Greece and China.

Plus, as he prepares to step down as Master, Dr Mike Rands shares the highlights and challenges of six years at Darwin.

Thank you to everyone featured for being so generous with your time and insights.

Paper copies of the magazine are in the post, and it's also available to read on our website now:

https://www.darwin.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Darwinian-Summer-2026.pdf

08/09/2026

If you're applying to study at University of Cambridge as a postgraduate, don't forget to come and check out Darwin!

We're a friendly, informal postgraduate community bringing together researchers from all over the world on our beautiful riverside site in central Cambridge.

The Dean will be offering a guided tour on Monday 21 September, followed by lunch with current students. Come and see for yourself what makes Darwin different.

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/college-visit-days?utm_source=Colleges&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=UKSRM_Events_PG_College_visitday_2026_Aug_26

26/08/2026

It's fair to say the Darwin gardens have not enjoyed this summer. Parched by successive heatwaves, and in the midst of building work, they're not looking their best.

But one plant has thrived in the wall-to-wall sunshine of 2026. Planted by Sir George Darwin, vines have overarched the footpath between Newnham Grange and the river for over a century, but rarely receive the conditions required to fruit in the British climate. This year, Darwin gardener Derry has harvested the Black Prince grapes by the basketload.

It's not enough to ease our climate panic. But they do taste delicious.

03/08/2026

We’re thrilled that a Darwin team is appearing on University Challenge for the third year running! Good luck to Rachel Gu, Macsen Brown, David Lumsden, and Ella Mason as they take on the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in their first round match tonight. Tune in to BBC 2 at 8:30pm this evening.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zwgs

24/07/2026

As the cliche has it: if you want something done, ask a busy person.

While completing her MPhil in Development Studies at Darwin - in which she has researched sustainable development from the perspective of Indigenous communities in Latin America - Melina Tsilira has also juggled an internship with UNESCO, and continued the sideline as a self-published novelist she began while still in her teens.

Thank you to Melina for finding the time to sit down with us to chat about her time at Darwin, and congratulations to her and all the other extraordinary Darwinians graduating tomorrow. We're so proud of each and every one of you.

https://www.darwin.cam.ac.uk/news/graduation-story-melina-tsilira/

15/07/2026

Darwin alumnus Simon Kieser (MPhil Environmental Policy, 2017) has published the first peer-reviewed critical reflection on the 2025 Gunma Declaration on Heritage Ecosystems, a new international World Heritage framework that seeks to bring together nature conservation, cultural rights, Indigenous knowledge systems, and heritage governance.

Written during Simon's time as a Visiting Scholar at the Department of Land Economy, the paper has been published by Cambridge University Press in a special issue of the International Journal of Cultural Property dedicated to Decolonising Cultural Property: Indigenous Perspectives and Challenges, and has twice been selected by CUP as .

Critical reflections on the development of the Gunma Declaration on Heritage Ecosystems: Challenges, contradictions, and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples - Volume 33

14/07/2026

Thank you to Living History Diary for this fabulous view of the Study Centre from the other side of the river. (Looking a little under-populated, but it is July!)

Laundress Green.
Alf Curtis
11-07-2026

13/07/2026

Darwin is delighted to be part of the Cambridge Zero Community Day this coming weekend.

As well as exhibitions, activities, workshops and panel discussions exploring how to be part of a more sustainable future, Darwin Master and former Director of Birdlife International Dr Mike Rands will lead a birdwatching tour of the College.

At Mike's most recent dawn chorus walk, 28 species were heard or seen within the Darwin gardens. Join us to witness the extraordinary biodiversity of central Cambridge.

Find out more: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/node/683

Book your birdwatching place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cambridgezero/2269162

09/07/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to talk to our student callers over the past couple of weeks, and particularly those who generously made a gift to the College.

The team spoke to over 300 alumni in 44 different countries, in a fantastic celebration of global Darwinian connection and support.