An opportunity for postgraduate historians of empire, slavery and education to contribute to the debate on decolonisation

The College invites applications for a Research Assistant to support groundbreaking research. The two-year fixed-term post involves working on a project entitled 'St John's and the Colonial Past', funded by the College and led by Professor William Whyte. Reverend Professor William Whyte

This pioneering project will explore connections between the college and colonialism, uncovering benefactions to St John's and the alumni who served in the empire.  It will also investigate the monuments, objects, pictures and buildings that evoke the colonial past.  The research will feed into a report and other scholarly publications and a series of workshops will be held to discuss the findings and to plan responses.

Commenting on the project, Professor Whyte said:

‘The links between Oxbridge and empire were strong and powerful. Their effects can still be felt today. Yet in recent years both colleges and universities have tended to want to forget this. It’s our hope that this project will not only uncover the ways in which empire and college were intertwined, but also serve as a model for other colleges to follow as they too come to terms with their history.’

A Steering Committee will oversee the project. Its members include Professor Elleke Boehmer, Professor John Darwin FBA, Professor Margot Finn, Professor Ruth Harris FBA, Professor Sir Brian Harrison FBA, Dr Richard Huzzey, Professor Mohamed-Salah Omri, Professor Lloyd Pratt, Professor Barbara Savage, Professor Amia Srinivasan and Dr Nicholas Westcott.