About the University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies (UCCGS)

The University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies serves as a multi-disciplinary hub dedicated to advanced research and teaching excellence. By integrating expertise from over 20 University departments and maintaining an extensive international network of scholars, the Centre facilitates rigorous inquiry into the complex intersections of gender and sexuality in relation to the human subject.

Our Research Ethos and Academic Scope

The Centre is committed to enhancing the capacity for rigorous gender analysis across diverse historical, economic, political, artistic, social and scientific frameworks. Our intellectual remit is broad and inclusive, encouraging engagement with a variety of theoretical perspectives, including:

  • Feminist Theory: Examining power structures, labour, and social equity.

  • Queer and Transgender Theory: Investigating the fluidity of identity and normative structures.

  • Critical Sexuality Studies: Analysing the social and cultural constructions of human sexuality.

  • Interdisciplinary Inquiry: Transcending traditional academic boundaries to address the multifaceted nature of the human subject.

Graduate Education and Academic Programmes

To cultivate the next generation of scholars, the Centre administers postgraduate curricula designed to challenge and inspire. Our core offerings include:

  • MPhil and PhD Programmes: Multi-disciplinary research degrees that leverage the collective strengths of the University’s faculty.

  • Visiting Scholars’ Programme: A platform for international researchers to collaborate and contribute to our vibrant academic community.

  • The Diane Middlebrook and Carl Djerassi Visiting Professorship: A distinguished scheme that brings world-leading thinkers to Cambridge to lead specialised discourse.

Public Engagement and Global Network

As a focal point for intellectual exchange, the Centre hosts a series of high-profile symposia, public lectures, and research seminars. We take pride in our extensive network of invited lecturers and collaborators, which has featured Nobel Laureates, pioneering scientists, and influential activists, such as:

  • Nobel Laureates: Amartya Sen and Shirin Ebadi.

  • Prominent Academics: Judith Butler, Jack Halberstam, Seyla Benhabib, Nancy Fraser, Catharine MacKinnon and Onora O'Neill.

  • Writers and Advocates: Nawal el Saadawi, Larry Kramer, Tariq Ali and Helena Kennedy.

  • Scientific Pioneers: Carl Djerassi and Simon Baron-Cohen.

Through these collaborations, the Centre continues to promote ambitious, ground-breaking work that addresses the complexities of gender in a globalised world.

Please see our Events and Seminars web pages for further information.