The University of Cambridge has been home to some of the most influential women in history. These graduates have broken barriers, made groundbreaking discoveries, and shaped the world across a variety of disciplines. Their achievements continue to inspire new generations of scholars and leaders. At Oxford Summer Courses, we celebrate these trailblazers and encourage students to pursue their own ambitions.

Where are Oxford Summer Courses Hosted?

For ages 9-12, our junior summer courses are hosted at renowned boarding schools including Harrow School, Eton College, and St. John's Beaumont. For ages 13-24, our summer courses are hosted in Cambridge and Oxford University colleges. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our prestigious summer courses.

These 15 female Cambridge graduates have left an indelible mark on history through their significant contributions.

1. Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958)

Rosalind Franklin was a British chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was critical to understanding the molecular structure of DNA. Although often overshadowed by her male colleagues, her contributions were key to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure.

Famous works:

• Photograph 51 - Franklin’s X-ray diffraction image, which revealed the structure of DNA and became instrumental in understanding genetic coding.
• Research on RNA Viruses - Franklin also made significant contributions to virology, including her work on the tobacco mosaic virus.

Awards and Legacy:

• Although Franklin was not awarded major recognition during her lifetime, she has been posthumously celebrated for her role in the discovery of DNA. Her work is now widely acknowledged, and she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.

2. Mary Beard (1955– )

Mary Beard is a Cambridge graduate and one of the world’s most well-known classical scholars. As a Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, she has written extensively on Roman history and civilisation.

Famous works:

• SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome (2015) - This bestseller traces the history of ancient Rome, exploring the lives of ordinary citizens as well as emperors.
• Women & Power: A Manifesto (2017) - Beard examines the public voice of women and how women have been silenced throughout history.

Awards and Legacy:

• Beard has received numerous awards, including the Bodley Medal and the Wolfson History Prize. She remains a prominent public intellectual, appearing regularly on television and in print to discuss ancient history and feminism.

3. Dame Millicent Fawcett (1847–1929)

Dame Millicent Fawcett was a leading suffragist and campaigner for women's rights. A Cambridge graduate, she played a pivotal role in securing women's right to vote in the UK.

Famous works:

• The Women's Victory and After (1920) - Fawcett's analysis of the successful women's suffrage movement and its future direction.
• Women's Suffrage (1870) - One of Fawcett's earlier works advocating for women's voting rights.

Awards and Legacy:

• Fawcett's contributions to the suffrage movement were immense, and she was recognised with a statue in Parliament Square in 2018, becoming the first woman to be honoured there. Her legacy continues to inspire women’s rights movements worldwide.

4. Joan Robinson (1903–1983)

Joan Robinson was a British economist who made significant contributions to economic theory, particularly in the areas of employment and monetary economics. She was a Cambridge graduate and a key figure in the development of Keynesian economics.

Famous works:

• The Economics of Imperfect Competition (1933) - In this work, Robinson introduced the concept of monopsony and developed theories of imperfect competition.
• Essays in the Theory of Employment (1937) - This series of essays expanded on Keynesian ideas and focused on the determinants of employment and wages.

Awards and Legacy:

• Although Robinson did not receive a Nobel Prize, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. Her work continues to influence economic thought today, particularly in the areas of competition and employment theory.

5. Dame Athene Donald (1953– )

Dame Athene Donald is a British physicist and Cambridge graduate whose research in soft matter physics has advanced our understanding of the structures and properties of polymers. She has also been a strong advocate for women in science.

Famous works:

• Research on Polymers and Proteins - Donald has published extensively on the structures and behaviours of complex materials, particularly proteins and synthetic polymers.
• Advocacy for Women in Science - Donald has written and spoken extensively on the challenges faced by women in scientific careers.

Awards and Legacy:

• Donald was awarded the Faraday Medal by the Institute of Physics in 2010 and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to science. She continues to be a leading advocate for women in STEM fields.

6. Emma Thompson (1959– )

Emma Thompson is a Cambridge graduate and one of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses and screenwriters. Known for her versatility and intelligence, Thompson has won multiple awards for her work in film, television, and theatre.

Famous works:

• Sense and Sensibility (1995) - Thompson wrote the screenplay and starred in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, earning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
• The Remains of the Day (1993) - Thompson starred alongside Anthony Hopkins in this critically acclaimed film, which received multiple awards.

Awards and Legacy:

• Thompson has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and a BAFTA. In addition to her acting and writing career, she is a passionate advocate for human rights and environmental issues.

7. Dame Barbara Stocking (1951– )

Dame Barbara Stocking is a British public health advocate and former Chief Executive of Oxfam. A Cambridge graduate, she has been a leading figure in humanitarian efforts around the world.

Famous works:

• Leadership at Oxfam - During her time at Oxfam, Stocking led the organisation through significant growth and expanded its influence in global poverty reduction.
• Public Health Advocacy - Stocking has worked extensively on issues of public health, particularly in the context of global development.

Awards and Legacy:

• Stocking was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to humanitarian work. Her leadership at Oxfam and in public health continues to inspire those working in the non-profit sector.

8. Anne McLaren (1927–2007)

Anne McLaren was a pioneering British biologist and Cambridge graduate whose work in reproductive biology laid the groundwork for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Her research on embryology and genetics transformed the field of reproductive science.

Famous works:

• Research on Mammalian Embryos - McLaren’s work on the development of mouse embryos provided key insights into human fertility treatments.
• IVF and Reproductive Science - McLaren’s research helped pave the way for the development of IVF, changing the lives of millions of couples around the world.

Awards and Legacy:

• McLaren was elected to the Royal Society and was awarded the Royal Medal for her contributions to biology. Her legacy in reproductive science is profound, and she remains a key figure in the history of biology.

9. Elizabeth Blackburn (1948– )

Elizabeth Blackburn is an Australian-American biologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009 for her work on telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. A Cambridge graduate, Blackburn’s discoveries have advanced our understanding of ageing and cancer.

Famous works:

• Discovery of Telomerase - Blackburn’s work on the enzyme telomerase, which protects the ends of chromosomes, has been critical to understanding cell ageing and cancer.
• Research on Telomeres - Her research on telomeres has shed light on the biological processes that contribute to ageing and cancer development.

Awards and Legacy:

• Blackburn was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2009, alongside Carol Greider and Jack Szostak. Her contributions to biology continue to influence research on ageing, cancer, and cellular biology.

10. Zadie Smith (1975– )

Zadie Smith is a British novelist and Cambridge graduate whose work explores race, identity, and cultural differences. She is one of the most influential contemporary authors, with multiple bestselling novels and essays.

Famous works:

• White Teeth (2000) - Smith’s debut novel, which explores the multiculturalism of London, was an international bestseller and won multiple awards.
• On Beauty (2005) - This novel, inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, won the Orange Prize for Fiction and further established Smith as a leading literary voice.

Awards and Legacy:

• Smith has received numerous awards, including the Orange Prize for Fiction and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. Her works continue to shape discussions on race, identity, and culture in modern literature.

11. Margaret Busby (1944– )

Margaret Busby is a Ghanaian-born British publisher, editor, and writer. She became the UK’s youngest and first Black female publisher when she co-founded Allison & Busby. A Cambridge graduate, she has championed diversity in publishing.

Famous works:

• Founding Allison & Busby - Busby’s publishing house has been instrumental in promoting diverse voices in British literature.
• Editing New Daughters of Africa (2019) - An anthology featuring works by over 200 women writers of African descent.

Awards and Legacy:

• Busby has received numerous accolades for her contributions to publishing, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the London Book Fair. Her influence continues to promote greater diversity in literature and publishing.

12. Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1623–1673)

Margaret Cavendish was a writer, scientist, and philosopher who made significant contributions to literature, natural philosophy, and scientific thought. Although she studied during a time when formal academic recognition was rare for women, her association with intellectual circles in Cambridge, including the Royal Society, made her an early pioneer of women's involvement in science and literature.

Famous works:

• The Blazing World (1666) - One of the earliest examples of science fiction, blending scientific exploration with fantasy.
• Observations upon Experimental Philosophy (1666) - A critique of the experimental science of her day, particularly the methods and findings of the Royal Society.

Awards and Legacy: Although Cavendish did not receive formal awards, her contributions have been recognised posthumously, particularly for her pioneering role in both scientific and literary fields. She is now celebrated as one of the most important female intellectuals of the 17th century.

13. Vanessa Redgrave (1937– )

Vanessa Redgrave is an internationally acclaimed actress and political activist. A Cambridge graduate, Redgrave has enjoyed a distinguished career on stage and screen, while also championing human rights and political causes.

Famous works:

• Julia (1977) - Redgrave won an Academy Award for her performance in this film about political resistance during World War II.
• The Trojan Women (1971) - A powerful anti-war film based on the play by Euripides, in which Redgrave gave a standout performance.

Awards and Legacy:

• Redgrave has won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and numerous other honours for her acting. She has also been a prominent advocate for political causes, including opposition to the Iraq War and support for Palestinian rights.

14. Baroness Hale (1945– )

Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, is a British judge and legal scholar who became the first woman to serve as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. A Cambridge graduate, she has been a key figure in the development of British constitutional law.

Famous works:

• Legal Contributions to Family Law - Baroness Hale has written extensively on family law and human rights law.
• Landmark Judgments - She presided over some of the most significant cases in recent British history, including the decision that ruled against Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament in 2019.

Awards and Legacy:

• Baroness Hale has received numerous honours for her contributions to law, including being appointed to the House of Lords. Her work has transformed the British legal landscape, particularly in the areas of family and human rights law.

15. Sophie Wilson (1957– )

Sophie Wilson is a British computer scientist and Cambridge graduate who co-designed the BBC Micro and ARM architecture, which is used in billions of devices worldwide. Her contributions to computer science have had a profound impact on modern computing.

Famous works:

• BBC Micro - Wilson helped design this influential computer, which played a key role in computer education in the UK during the 1980s.
• ARM Architecture - The ARM processor architecture, co-designed by Wilson, is used in most mobile phones and tablets today.

Awards and Legacy:

• Wilson was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to computing. Her work continues to influence the design and development of modern technology.

How did the personal experiences and backgrounds of these female Cambridge graduates influence their achievements?

These women drew from personal challenges, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to break boundaries in their respective fields. For example, Anne McLaren’s dedication to reproductive biology stemmed from her early interest in genetics, while Zadie Smith’s experiences growing up in a multicultural London environment deeply influenced her writing. Their unique experiences shaped their paths and drove them to achieve excellence.

What challenges did these female Cambridge graduates face during their careers, and how did they overcome them?

These women often faced barriers such as gender discrimination, lack of representation, and social resistance. Figures like Joan Robinson and Athene Donald broke through male-dominated fields, while Sophie Wilson and Margaret Busby shattered stereotypes in technology and publishing, respectively. Their perseverance and determination enabled them to make lasting contributions in their fields.

How did the contributions of these women impact broader social, scientific, and cultural movements?

The work of these graduates has had a profound effect on multiple fields. Elizabeth Blackburn’s research has revolutionised cancer treatment, while Margaret Busby’s publishing house has promoted diversity in literature. Their contributions continue to shape academic, cultural, and social movements, inspiring future generations.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.