Vice-Chancellor's Circle event
Wednesday 20 May
It was a pleasure to host the Vice‑Chancellor’s Circle event at the Royal Institution on Wednesday 20 May 2026.
In a particularly storied lecture hall, as the sun began to set over Piccadilly in London, we were surrounded by history and impact in portraits, statues and artefacts. On special occasions like this, we are reminded of the weight and privilege of Cambridge’s mission, past, and responsibility to the future, and the integral role we can play.
Highlights from the event
We’d contended with rain, train cancellations, and the threat of a Tube strike, so it was an enthusiastic and determined group who gathered at last at the Royal Institution in London on 20 May for the bi-annual Vice-Chancellor's Circle event. We relished the rare opportunity to gather, connect and converse, and to enjoy some one-to-one time with the Vice-Chancellor.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice
The Vice-Chancellor shared the latest news, updates, and reflections from Collegiate Cambridge and then introduced the panel on ‘The Integrity of the Written Word.’ This timely topic comprised some of the most pressing conundrums of communication, truth and language today.
Panellists wholeheartedly agreed that boundaries are blurring between the written and spoken word, and that words are increasingly being used as ‘weapons’ in the war over what Truth is. Dr Jessica Gardner highlighted the vital role of libraries and written archives in grasping provenance. Dr Caroline Bassett discussed the importance of the Digital Humanities initiative in comprehending technological advances like AI and its implications for language and meaning. Meanwhile, Dr Elizabeth Kendall reflected on the oral tradition of poetry and how it can appeal and manipulate through emotion and the human desire for meaning, the precursor to social media today.
Lord Chris Smith, Dr Jessica Gardner, Professor Caroline Bassett, and Dr Elisabeth Kendall
Lord Chris Smith, Dr Jessica Gardner, Professor Caroline Bassett, and Dr Elisabeth Kendall
Ably moderated by Chancellor Chris Smith, the panel was an excellent showcase for our Cambridge academics, delivering direct and exclusive access to their unique insights into the questions that continue to challenge us.
Ultimately, it was clear that Cambridge must prepare our students from the moment they arrive by teaching them to be at ease with uncertainty, questions, and differences of opinion, and in fact to deliberately seek these out.
After a lively Q&A we adjourned for champagne, canapés, and more conversation, fuelled by the stimulating insights from the panel.
Our Cambridge ‘alchemy’ lies in turning intellectual richness and curiosity into the gold of knowledge and wisdom. Philanthropy like yours plays such an important role in the spirit of enquiry that strives to keep pace with our ever-changing human, social, and physical landscapes, especially as funding for bold research becomes increasingly contentious and politicised.
Our donors empower Collegiate Cambridge to relentlessly and fearlessly ask the big questions, dive into nuance, and embrace the dissent and doubt that will ultimately lead us to fuller understanding.
Photo gallery
Lord Chris Smith talking to a group of attendees at a drinks reception
Lord Chris Smith talking to a group of attendees at a drinks reception
Feedback
Although you were unable to attend the event on 20 May, we would be grateful if you would take a moment to complete this short feedback survey to help us shape future events and engagement.
Your thoughts are invaluable in helping us reflect on the event and shape future Vice‑Chancellor’s Circle engagement.