Cambridge in America

“If you want to understand the United States, go to Cambridge” - Chris Smith

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the University of Cambridge is launching a major new initiative on May 29 focused on understanding America’s history, politics, culture, and global influence.

Chris Smith, Chancellor of the University, has written in the Guardian about the importance of studying the United States at a moment of profound political and cultural change. In his article, Smith notes that while America continues to shape the modern world, it is also a country that many outside observers struggle to fully understand.

To help address that, Cambridge is establishing the Centre for the United States at Cambridge (CUSAC), a new interdisciplinary hub that will bring together scholars and students examining every aspect of American life, from democracy and law to technology, media, race, foreign policy, and culture.

Read the article here:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/want-understand-united-states-cambridge-070000447.html

Read about the CUSAC launch on May 29 here:
https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/story/the-united-states-of-america-at-250

Join us for Cambridge Conversations, a virtual event series from the University of Cambridge that brings together leading academics and alumni to explore ideas shaping our world today. These online discussions offer the chance to hear directly from Cambridge experts working at the forefront of research and innovation.

The first event, “How AI is Transforming Cultural Heritage Research,” takes place on Wednesday, June 10. The discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for preserving cultural heritage, analyzing historical materials, and expanding access to knowledge from the past. Register today: https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-conversations/how-ai-is-transforming-cultural-heritage-research

The series continues on Wednesday, July 8 with “Digital Humanities: Transforming How We Understand the World.” This event will highlight how digital technologies are helping scholars study culture, literature, history, and society in entirely new ways. Reserve your place here: https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-conversations/digital-humanities-transforming-how-we-understand-the-world

Happy Birthday to Sir David Attenborough (Clare College 1945), who turns 100 today!

Broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author Sir David Attenborough was born in London on May 8, 1926. David Attenborough’s interest in nature developed during his childhood. In 1945, he matriculated at Clare College to study Natural Sciences, and has since recalled a ‘wonderful feeling of opening new windows’ as he fostered his deep love of geology and zoology at Cambridge.

After graduating, Attenborough joined the BBC where he proved a skilled producer. Promoted to Controller of BBC2 in 1965, he commissioned pioneering programmes like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, before stepping down in 1972 to develop his own series, “Life on Earth.” This groundbreaking television marked the beginning of the peerless “Life” series, showcasing the natural world in all its intricacy, variety and splendour.

By the 2000s, Attenborough’s passion for nature and consummate skill as a communicator allowed him to raise public awareness of biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change. His unparalleled contribution to conservation has been recognized around the world. The Cambridge Conservation Initiative campus bears his name, and he has supported the Initiative since its founding. To learn more and watch a message from Sir David, visit https://www.cambridgeconservation.org/about/our-patron/

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, the “25 Years, 25 Stories” series is underway, featuring members of the Cambridge community whose ideas and achievements are shaping the world.

Start exploring today and visit this page regularly as we add more stories in the weeks ahead: https://www.cantab.org/25-years-25-stories

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Professor Nick Guyatt (Emmanuel 1992) is providing essential context on how American history and foreign policy are being reimagined today. From the legacy of the Monroe Doctrine to the upcoming "America 250" celebrations, Guyatt is bringing historical perspective to today’s urgent questions.

While his upcoming CAm event in New York on March 24 is sold out, you can dive into his latest insights through these essential interviews:

NYT Interview: America Is Anxious About Its 250th Birthday:
nytimes.com/2026/04/21/arts/history-america-250-trump.html

CAm Interview: A Cambridge Perspective on America:
cantab.org/cambridge-in-america-news/amid-a-time-of-war-and-division-a-cambridge-perspective-on-america

Happy Earth Day from Cambridge in America!

In our latest interview, Professor Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of the Centre for Climate Repair, shares how Cambridge is pushing the boundaries of climate research, developing approaches like geoengineering and the idea of “refreezing the Arctic” to help stabilize global temperatures.

Read the full conversation and explore the most promising solutions by visiting http://cantab.org/earthday2026

Cambridge in America congratulates the Cambridge Men and Oxford Women for their incredible victories on the Tideway.

From the grit of the student-athletes to the celebrations across North America, we are honoring the spirit of the Light Blues. Relive the magic, watch behind-the-scenes episodes, and explore the personal journeys of those who wore the Light Blues in our latest visual story:

https://cambridge-in-america.shorthandstories.com/boatrace2026/

Congratulations to the Cambridge University Boat Club men and the Oxford University Boat Club women on their victories in the 2026 Boat Race.

Cambridge claimed the men’s race in impressive style, while Oxford’s women delivered a standout performance on the Thames. A memorable day of racing for both crews.

Explore race history, results, and post-race updates at www.theboatrace.org