At the heart of Cambridge, we champion women in the Church through education, research, spaces for contemplative reflection and transformative leadership programmes.

Fostering Ethical Leadership

Supported by a two-year grant from the Laing Family Trust we are researching and developing models of impactful compassionate leadership. The project is led by our Principal, Dr. Anna Abram. We are looking for best ways of supporting and empowering women leaders in professional and Church contexts.

Addressing Occupational Burnout

Anna Abram is working with scholars and practitioners in areas such as healthcare to better understand, articulate and prevent occupational burnout, especially for women. Her book The Ethics is Burnout is due to be published in 2026. https://ethicspress.com/products/the-ethics-of-burnout

Exploring Women in Ministry

We hosted two international symposia on “Women and Diakonia” (2023-2024) with renowned scholars including Prof Phyllis Zagano and Prof Bernard Pottier SJ, former members of the first Papal Commission on Women and Diaconate.

Cultivating Women’s Leadership

In 2024, we hosted a Contemplative Leadership Retreat for women in leadership roles at Buckden Towers. On October 22, 2025, we will host a symposium with Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge, exploring formative support for women leaders (especially, for those in ministry).

Advancing Women’s Vocations

Led by Dr. Gemma Simmonds CJ, our Religious Life Institute explores contemporary religious vocations for women and their challenges. Her book, God’s Call is Everywhere (2023), part of an international collaboration, won 1st place at the 2024 Catholic Media Association Book Awards.

Developing and Testing the notion of ‘integral leadership’

In collaboration with The Integral Leadership Lab, University of Krakow, Poland and The Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome, we are developing an innovative international development programme for leaders in Higher Education. The programme prioritises women leaders. It utilises the cutting edge leadership development approach and spiritual-ethical formation as well as cultural and artistic input.

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