Welcome to the second cohort of Harding Postgraduate Scholars

Last month, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge welcomed 29 new postgraduate students to the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme, including a group of six St Catharine's postgraduates. The second cohort of this scholarship programme hail from all over the world and Professor Toope praised the extraordinary depth of subject matter covered in the projects they are undertaking.

The programme, enabled by a record-breaking gift from David and Claudia Harding, is now a permanent part of our postgraduate research landscape, bringing some truly outstanding scholars to Cambridge. A Harding Scholarship enables them not only to study and to expand their own understanding, but also to contribute to the bank of knowledge and research that is so vital to our University, to our society, and to our world.

David Harding (1979, Natural Sciences), an Honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, said, “Claudia and I are delighted that, through the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars programme, we are able to assist others to study and research at one of the greatest universities in the world.”

Professor Stephen J Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University, explained,"David and Claudia Harding’s record-breaking gift has enabled this remarkable scholarship programme to become a permanent part of our postgraduate research landscape and to bring some truly outstanding scholars here."

The Vice-Chancellor also commented on the unusual nature of the welcome, conducted as it was via the internet. He also spoke of the importance of connection — and that the current pandemic has brought home the immense value of the research work being completed at Cambridge, and the immeasurable value of education and research at the very heart of the University’s mission.

Professor Sir Mark Welland, Master of St Catharine’s College, said, “We are delighted once more to welcome an incredibly gifted group of Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars. Like the first cohort, this year’s Scholars are researching vital topics that both reflect and augment the breadth and depth of scholarship at Cambridge.”

Our new Harding Scholars each bring with them unique experience and profound passion for areas ranging from history to physics to medicine to gender equality. With a world more in need of their research and ideas than ever before, the University of Cambridge and St Catharine's College are deeply grateful to the Hardings for making the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme possible.

Find out more about St Catharine's involvement in the programme.