Hertford College, University of Oxford

It is 50 years since the first women students crossed the bridge at Hertford. In our newest instalment of Hertford Voices, Cathy Shingler (English, 1974), Sandy Gavshon (PPE, 1974) and Rose Jackson (History, 1978), reveal their experiences as part of Hertford's first generation of women. They touch on facilities that where not fit for purpose, chauvinistic attitudes of their peers, but also the opportunities which Hertford created for them.

We are excited to announce that another of our fellows has been appointed to a prestigious role within the university. Dr Martin Maiden, our Tutorial Fellow in Biology and Professor of Molecular Epidemiology, will assume the role of Head of the Biology Department on October 1st, 2024. He is the first to take on this position since the departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences merged in 2022.   Dr. Maiden is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, a visiting Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Cardiff University, and a Fellow of the Society of Biology. He also served as Oxford’s Senior Proctor for 2019-20. Dr. Maiden’s group combines evolutionary and population genetics to study bacterial pathogens. Over the past 20 years, his team has focused on understanding bacterial pathogen diversity, using nucleotide sequence-based analyses to explore the phenotypic consequences of genetic variation. Currently, his research emphasizes population genomics, linking genetic traits identified through next-generation sequencing to specific bacterial phenotypes. He has authored over 230 articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to approximately 50 book chapters and other publications, especially regarding pathogenic Neisseria and Campylobacter. Congratulations, Martin, on this well-deserved role! We look forward to the exciting new direction your leadership will bring to the department.

To celebrate our anniversary year, join us for the first part of a lecture series dedicated to discovering diverse and inspiring stories told by Hertford women. First up: Literature and English. Date and Time: Thursday 31 October 2024, 5.30 – 6.30pm Location: Baring Room, Hertford College Speakers: Carolyn Hitt  (English, 1987), studied women’s writing under Hertford’s first female fellow, Julia Briggs. Now Editor at BBC Wales. She has spearheaded a project around untold women’s stories, and a subsequent campaign to get Wales’ first statues of women built. Yarrow Millie Townsend (English and French, 2009), award-winning author of children’s fiction and writer-in-residence at the New Forest. Her work focuses on environmental issues in natural landscapes. She also runs writing workshops in outdoor places for children and adults. Chair: Natasha Kaplinsky, OBE (English, 1992) Moderator: Edith Critchley (English, 2021) To attend, register here: https://lnkd.in/eq3hyYMv Women’s Stories is a thought-provoking series that brings together academics, students and alumni to share their insights on the multifaceted experiences of women across different fields, cultures and histories. This series is designed for anyone passionate about understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of female perspectives. Whether you’re a student, staff, alum or none of the above, come be part of a meaningful conversation that honours the power of women’s stories.

Today we are publishing the second instalment of our 'Hertford Voices' series, celebrating our two big anniversaries this year. 🦌 In this video, our alumni recount their experiences transitioning to university. Although their stories span multiple decades, the friendly spirit of Hertford shines throughout. 🌟

‘The college would be a more agreeable community if it included women as members.’ In Emeritus Fellow Christopher Tyreman's new book, he charts the movement within Hertford and Oxford more broadly toward admitting women to traditionally male colleges. Read a new excerpt from his history of Hertford on our website here: https://lnkd.in/efvt4-Gd

Double celebrations are in order for Hertford Geography Fellow Professor Louise Slater, as she has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize and appointed as the new Associate Head (Research and Impact) of the Social Sciences Division.   Louise’s research focuses on river flooding, drought, and climate extremes. She edits the journals Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (HESS) and Earth’s Future, serves as a Science Officer for the European Geosciences Union, and chairs the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group on UK Flood Hydrology.   Read more about these two achievements on our website here: https://lnkd.in/eUJ-Drdg Well done Louise for these two very prestigious accolades!

As part of our 2024 celebrations we have created a set of videos looking at Hertford's History through the eyes of our Alumni. Check out the first instalment, 'Hertford Made Me....', below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/eMnrsPQ6

2024-2025 is a big year at Hertford, as we are celebrating 150 years since our re-foundation and 50 years since we made the leap of becoming one of the first Co-Ed colleges in Oxford. There is a lot about Hertford's History to be proud of, so keep your eyes peeled for our line up of videos, events and speakers in the coming academic year.

Congratulations to all of our students who have graduated so far this summer! We are excited to see what comes next for you all.

Congratulations are in order! Today the Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the appointment of Professor Emma Smith to the Company's Board. Professor Smith is a Tutorial Fellow in English at Hertford as well as our Fellow Librarian and Archivist. Professor Smith said: "I am absolutely chuffed and honoured to be joining the RSC board at such an exciting and dynamic time for the Company. I really look forward to lending my support to its ambitious programme, and to learning more about all its activities, on and off stage." We are delighted for Prof. Smith and excited to see their work with the RSC in due course. https://lnkd.in/eHusN86F