The Conservation Leadership Lecture (CLL) series, an integral part of the Conservation Leadership Master's programme at the University of Cambridge, concluded its final session for the current cohort last evening. The CLL series aims to complement classroom sessions by providing students with practical and personal perspectives on effective conservation leadership, delivered by distinguished conservation leaders from across the global conservation community.
The final lecture was delivered by Professor Bhaskar Vira, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Cambridge. Professor Vira, an Indian academic and professor of Political Economy, shared his inspiring journey to various leadership positions, from his early days to his current role. From 2019 to 2022, he served as the Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge. He was also the founding director of the University of Cambridge Conservation Research Institute and is a fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.
Throughout his career, Professor Vira has made significant contributions to the fields of environment, development, and economy. In recognition of his outstanding work, he was awarded the prestigious Busk Medal by the Royal Geographical Society in 2018 for his contributions to these fields. In 2021, he was elected to a Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences for his remarkable contributions to social science.
During the lecture, Professor Vira engaged with students, answering their questions and providing valuable insights into his personal and professional experiences. The evening concluded with a college dinner, allowing students to interact and network with this eminent conservation leader.
The Conservation Leadership Lecture series is designed to provide students with transferable skills and the opportunity to learn from and network with conservation leaders of international stature. Speakers are invited to outline their career development, key personal and institutional decisions, leadership successes, and an honest appraisal of their experiences, including any regrets and lessons learned.
The Conservation Leadership Master's programme at the University of Cambridge remains committed to providing students with a comprehensive and practical education in conservation leadership, preparing them to become the next generation of leaders in the field.