Spending a year as a Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall, Cambridge, has been an enriching and transformative experience that will resonate with me for years to come. Nestled in the quieter corners of Cambridge, Clare Hall is unique among the university’s colleges, exuding an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and global engagement. It provides the perfect setting for scholars seeking a space for profound reflection and lively academic exchange.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth of the community. Clare Hall’s reputation as an inclusive and international college is well-deserved. Fellows, students, and staff alike contribute to an environment where ideas are shared freely and new collaborations flourish. Informal gatherings in the Common Room often turned into impromptu discussions on topics ranging from philosophy to quantum physics, reflecting the college's interdisciplinary ethos. These moments offered not only intellectual stimulation but also a sense of camaraderie that is rare in academia.
One of the most memorable aspects of my fellowship was the opportunity to engage with the broader Clare Hall family during formal dinners. These occasions, held in the intimate dining hall, were a highlight of my stay. The conversations over dinner were as varied as the dishes served, often spanning cultures and disciplines. It was during these evenings that I came to appreciate the true essence of Clare Hall: a place where the exchange of ideas is celebrated as a cornerstone of its identity.
The physical environment of Clare Hall also played a significant role in shaping my experience. The serene gardens and modernist architecture of the college provided a sanctuary for thought. Many mornings were spent walking along the River Cam, reflecting on my research and finding inspiration in the tranquil surroundings. The juxtaposition of Clare Hall’s contemporary setting with the ancient beauty of Cambridge itself served as a poignant reminder of the timelessness of learning.
Academically, my time at Clare Hall proved immensely productive. The flexibility afforded by the fellowship allowed me to immerse myself in my research without distraction, while the interdisciplinary community fostered unexpected insights. Engaging with scholars from diverse fields often challenged my assumptions and enriched my perspective. The college’s proximity to Cambridge’s libraries and academic institutions further enhanced this experience, offering unparalleled resources for exploration and discovery.
As my fellowship draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude not only for the year I have spent at Clare Hall but also for the continuing relationship I will enjoy as a Life Member of this extraordinary college. This lifelong affiliation is more than symbolic; it is a bridge to an ongoing journey of collaboration and intellectual growth. In the months ahead, I look forward to numerous joint projects with colleagues across various University of Cambridge departments, where the seeds of interdisciplinary initiatives were sown during my fellowship. These include mentoring postdoctoral researchers, co-supervising joint PhD projects, and co-authoring scholarly articles with fellow academics.
Clare Hall has provided me with an unparalleled platform to contribute meaningfully to my field while remaining part of a supportive and inspiring community. For anyone fortunate enough to join Clare Hall, it promises an experience like no other—one that enriches both the mind and the soul, and, crucially, a connection that endures well beyond the fellowship itself.
Professor Hannele Seeck
Clare Hall Visiting Fellow 2023-2024