Convening and collaborating to create a Better Future

The Centre for Better Futures bridges knowledge and action by connecting individuals passionate about creating positive change with the world-class expertise and resources of the University of Cambridge. Our programme fosters purposeful reflection, deep learning, and collaboration to explore and launch innovative solutions to key global challenges.

Our growing Better Futures Community​

At the heart of the Better Futures Programme is a community of exceptional mentors and advisers. We’re grateful to this cadre of accomplished leaders committed to engaging with our participants and contributing to the wider Better Futures community.

Pam Garside

Co-Chair Cambridge Health Network;
Fellow, Judge Business School

Sonita Alleyne

(OBE) Master of Jesus College Founder, Somethin’ Else

Gillian Tett

Provost of Kings College;
Editorial Board, FT

CHRIS Young

Master of St Edmund's College;
Former Head of the School of Arts and Humanities, University of Cambridge

Richard Nugee

Former Chief of Defence People, Ministry of Defence;
Author of MoD Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach

SIMON WOOLLEY

Principal of Homerton College;
Founder and Director, Operation Black Vote

Will Fraser-Allen

Managing Partner at Albion VC

GRAHAM VIRGO

Master of Downing College; Former Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), University of Cambridge

RONJON NAG

CEO of Agemica Aging Vaccines;
Adj Professor Stanford Medicine;
Founder of R42

JimGlasheen

JIM GLASHEEN

CEO of Cambridge Enterprise, Biotech Entrepreneur, VC at Technology Partners, PA, Fellow at Harvard ALI

Lara Allen

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Global Equality

Mark Cheng

Founder of Social Innovation Circle

David Cleevely

Chairman, Chemify and Focal Point Positioning;
Co-founder Abcam and 3WayNetworks

Paul Bailey

Entrepreneur in Residence Cambridge Enterprise; Venture Partner EMV Capital

JULIAN CRITCHLOW

Advisory Partner & Former Director, Bain and Co
Former Director General, Energy Transformation and Clean Growth

Sarah Galloway

Global Sustainability Sector Leader, Russell Reynolds

JIM Gazzard

Former Director at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education

Tony Harris

Entrepreneur, Non-Executive Director, Business Angel, and Career Academic

Jon Coker

General Partner and Co-Founder, Eka Ventures

Patrick Maxwell

Regius Professor of Physic and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Gerard Grech

MD, Founders at the University of Cambridge;
Former CEO, Tech Nation

BHASKAR VIRA

Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability

Amy Weatherup

Co-Chair, Cambridge Angels;
i-Teams Programme Director, University of Cambridge

John Aston

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research;
Harding Professor of Statistics;
Former Director General, Science and Technology

Kim Morish

Non Executive Director at Evergreen Fund

Anamaria Mulcahy

Expert Partner & Global Leader Bain Executive Network at Bain & Company

Polly Neate

The Future Governance Forum;
Former Chief Executive at Shelter

Diarmuid O’Brien

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation, University of Cambridge

Simon Thorpe

Managing Partner Delta2020;
Former Chief Operating Officer, UBS Global Equity

KATE WILSON

Vice-Principal, Queen's University at Kingston

Better Futures PROGRAMME Team

Stewart McTavish

Programme Co-FOunder

Director of Academic Programmes, Better Futures

ALISON WOOD

Programme Co-FOunder

Programme Lead – Foundations; Academic Director, Homerton Changemakers

Andy Phillipps

Programme Co-Founder

Co-Founder, Booking.com

Andy Neely

PROGRAMME CHAIR

Former Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Enterprise and Business Relations

Gavin Flynn

Director

Interim CEO of The Moller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge

JAIDEEP PRABHU

Programme Co-FOunder

Programme Lead - Wayfinding; Director of the Centre for India & Global Business, Cambridge Judge Business School

ROBERT DOUBLEDAY

Programme Co-FOunder

Programme Lead - Frontiers; Executive Director at Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge

Nicholas Ekkel

Communications, Better Futures

IMPACT THEMES

The Centre for Better Futures is currently dedicated to enabling positive impact around three key areas health, sustainability and prosperity. These themes encompass critical questions such as: how to help people worldwide live active, meaningful lives to the age of 100; how to build sustainable resource systems that support global populations; and how to create a fair and just society for all.

Examples include:

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Interested in applying, collaborating, or just exploring? Register your interest or start a conversation below.

Download the Brochure

Want to learn more about the Cambridge Better Futures Programme? Fill out the form below to get your brochure.

Register Your Interest or Start a Conversation

Interested in the Better Futures Programme and eager to learn more?

Fill out the form below to register your interest and stay connected, or drop us a message to start a conversation.

We’re always happy to connect with potential applicants and explore how the programme could be a fit for you.

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