Overview
University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and is a public collegiate research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished universities, with a long history of academic achievement, scholarship, and intellectual contribution. Cambridge comprises numerous faculties, departments and colleges dedicated to teaching and research across disciplines.
The university’s purpose is to advance education and research while contributing to societal development. Its mission emphasises excellence in teaching, discovery of new knowledge, and engagement with global challenges. Cambridge combines traditional collegiate education with research that addresses contemporary scientific, cultural and social issues.
Mission and focus areas
University of Cambridge aims to generate impactful research and provide high-quality education across a wide range of fields, from the sciences and engineering to the arts and humanities. Research at Cambridge spans fundamental discovery to applied innovation, reflecting a commitment to addressing global challenges. While the university itself is not a specialised sustainability organisation, many of its institutes and centres focus on sustainability, environmental research, climate change and sustainable finance. For example, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) within the university engages in sustainable finance research, executive education and leadership development to help organisations integrate sustainability into financial decision-making. Environmental sustainability is also embedded in operational efforts to reduce carbon emissions, manage resources sustainably, and support biodiversity across its estate.
Structure and governance
University of Cambridge is organised as a collegiate university consisting of colleges and a central administration overseen by governing bodies. It operates under a formal governance framework with named leadership roles, including Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, and faculties that organise teaching and research activities. Several specialised institutes and research centres operate within the university’s framework, with their own leadership and focus areas, often collaborating with external partners.
Programs and offerings
University of Cambridge offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional education, alongside expansive research opportunities. Its outputs include academic publications, conferences, educational programmes and thought leadership across disciplines. Through CISL and related centres, the university provides courses, reports and resources on sustainable business and finance, tailored to professionals seeking to embed sustainability into practice. Cambridge also contributes to sustainability discourse through policy briefs, applied research and collaborative initiatives that support sustainable economic transitions.
Mission
The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
