Who we are

The Special Initiative is hosted by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Professor Pedro Ramos Pinto, from the Faculty of History, serves as its convenor. A coordinator and the wider School team support his work. It works with people across the University and beyond.

Prof Pedro Ramos-Pinto photographed in the gardens of Trinity Hall, Cambridge

Convenor: Pedro Ramos Pinto, Professor of Contemporary History at the Faculty of History

Pedro Ramos Pinto's work explores the making and unmaking of inequalities in historical perspective, building on earlier research on histories of welfare and citizenship in Southern Europe. Pedro also has a long-standing interest on the role of the past in contemporary debates, and on how to foster public engagement with history as a form of repair.

Coordinator: Naomi Biggs

Naomi Biggs is Coordinator for the Legacies of Enslavement network, supporting research, events, and engagement on the historical and contemporary impacts of slavery. She brings experience from roles in project management and support within higher education and professional institutions.

Legacies of Enslavement Network

Everyone in the University and beyond – students, staff, alumni or just anyone with an interest – is welcome to attend public events, get in touch and engage with our work. Sign up to the network mailing list on the Join our network page.

Advisory Board 2025-2026

The Special Initiative has an Advisory Board which brings together members from across the University and external representatives. They provide guidance and support to the Convenor to help achieve the Initiative’s goals.

Advisory Group Members:
Dr Tanesha Allen, Tyra Amofah-Akardom, Professor Mia Bay, Naomi Biggs, Professor Hazel Carby, Leyla Chery, Professor Manali Desai, Professor Shailaja Fennell, Professor Charles Forsdick, Clare Gordon, Molly Groarke, Ellie Hall, Dr Chris Jeppesen, Professor Kamal Munir, Professor Pedro Ramos Pinto, Habda Rashid, Dr Andrea Salter, Professor Verene Shepperd, Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, Dr Dacia Viejo-Rose, Lord Woolley of Woodford Kt.