Darwin College, Cambridge

Darwin College

Established	1964
Location	Silver Street, Cambridge

Darwin College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1964, it was the first college in Cambridge to admit both male and female students at its inception. Named after the naturalist Charles Darwin, who was a student of the university in the 1820s, the college emphasizes a strong interdisciplinary approach, particularly in the sciences and humanities.

History

Darwin College was established on the site of the former Darwin family home, which was connected to Charles Darwin's son, George Darwin, a noted astronomer and mathematician. The college was founded with the intention of catering specifically to postgraduate students, a focus that remains to this day.

Buildings and Facilities

The college is located on Silver Street, adjacent to the River Cam, providing picturesque surroundings. Key buildings within the college include the main hall, library, and various residential buildings. The college's architecture blends modern and historical elements, reflecting its relatively recent establishment and its respect for tradition.

Academic Profile

As a postgraduate college, Darwin College does not have undergraduate members, unlike many other Cambridge colleges. It has a vibrant community of around 700 postgraduate students from various disciplines. The college is known for fostering an interdisciplinary environment, encouraging collaboration between students from different academic backgrounds.

Student Life

Darwin College offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music and arts groups, and academic societies. The Darwin College Boat Club is active in university rowing events. Social and cultural events are regularly organized, providing a supportive community for its members.

Notable Alumni

Darwin College has a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in various fields such as academia, politics, and the arts. Notable alumni include:

• Jane Goodall - Primatologist and anthropologist known for her work with chimpanzees.
• Amartya Sen - Economist and Nobel laureate in Economics.

See Also

• List of Cambridge Colleges
• Education in the United Kingdom