The lecture series honours Dr Kate Pretty CBE, Principal of Homerton College (1991-2013) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (2004-2010), responsible for international strategy, outreach, lifelong learning, and museums and libraries. An archaeologist, Dr Pretty served as President of the Council for British Archaeology from 2008-2013. Dr Pretty has been a member of the Council of Durham University since 2014.
The Eighth Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
Moving up? What future for social mobility in an anti-diversity climate?
Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Mobility Foundation, and Homerton Principal, Lord Simon Woolley, will discuss how policies designed to address racial injustice can also benefit white working-class communities — and what bold, practical steps are needed to create lasting change in the years ahead.
Previous Lectures
The Seventh Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
In an era marked by profound socioeconomic shifts and unprecedented challenges, the role of charities has never been more vital nor more complex. This was the central theme of Michelle Mitchell's recent lecture at Homerton College, where the CEO of Cancer Research UK delivered a compelling call to action for the charitable sector.
The Sixth Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
Homerton was delighted to welcome Master of Jesus College, Sonita Alleyne to deliver the 2023 Kate Pretty Lecture “Building Belonging Through Music”.
As the new Chair of the University’s Centre for Music Performance, Sonita Alleyne considered how music performance connected with issues of well-being, inclusivity, and outreach, contributing to a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for connections between the University and the City. The talk was followed by a Q&A.
The Fifth Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
On Wednesday 8th June 2022, we welcomed Professor Stephen J Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, as the fifth Kate Pretty Lecturer, on the topic University Matters? The University of Cambridge in an increasingly complex world.
Professor Toope steps down on 30th September to take up the post of President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. He reflected on 5 years in office, and cover themes including how societal tensions are reflected in the University, relations with Government, and how the University takes decisions.
The Fourth Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
Why does a University need an art collection? Making the most of the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge by Luke Syson, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
The Third Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
Justice without Ethics by Baroness Onora O'Neill, renowned Philosopher, former President of the British Academy, and former Principal of Newnham College.
The Second Annual Kate Pretty Lecture
What Science Can Do: The Cambridge life science cluster at a pivot point by Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca.
The Inaugural Kate Pretty Lecture:
The Cambridge of Tomorrow, by Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz FRS, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
