Jo Cox Memorial Lecture

The new term at Cambridge University brings excitement, reunions and inspiration amid students and staff alike. This year, the Department of Sociology will begin the term with an inspirational free public lecture, to be held at Murray Edwards College on the 20th October (5:30pm), in memory of former student, Jo Cox MP.

Jo Cox MP, a former student of Social Political Sciences and Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, was murdered whilst working in her constituency, Batley and Spen, in June 2016. Jo dedicated her life to helping others, campaigning tirelessly for a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world. To celebrate Jo’s life and all of the inspiring work she was involved with, the Department of Sociology will be hosting a free public talk in Cambridge.

Patrick Baert, Head of Department comments “we felt the beginning of the new University year was the appropriate time to hold this talk. Jo Cox was an inspiration to our society and it is fitting that we celebrate her life with an equally motivating lecture.”

“We are privileged to be receiving Kevin Watkins as the first speaker in our annual lecture series, held in Jo’s memory. Jo spent her life campaigning for a more equal society, in particular dedicating much of her work to protecting those affected by conflict, an issue of shared importance to Save the Children. We intend to celebrate Jo’s achievements by helping to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and build upon the outstanding work that she undertook during her life. We are thankful to the Jo Cox Foundation and Murray Edwards College for the support they have provided in organising this lecture.”

The Jo Cox Foundation exists to channel the energy and determination generated by Jo's life and untimely death into practical efforts to advance the causes she championed. The diverse range of CONTACT: Elaine Paterson Department of Sociology, domestic and international issues that Jo dedicated her life to included protecting civilians in conflict, improving women’s rights and reducing loneliness across the UK.

“As an MP, Jo didn't believe any issue was so intractable that it had to be left on the 'too difficult pile'. Led by her example, the Foundation are restless for change. Just as Jo did, the Foundation believe in working together with individuals and organisations that share the commitment to a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world.” states Iona Lawrence, Director of the Jo Cox Foundation. “We were eager to support the Department of Sociology in hosting this lecture series and are delighted that Jo’s friend and colleague Kevin Watkins has agreed to give the first talk in Jo’s memory.”

The talk will be held at Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road on the 20th October 2017, from 5:30-7pm. The lecture will be given by Kevin Watkins, CEO at Save the Children and introduced by Iona Lawrence from the Jo Cox Foundation. You can learn more and confirm your attendance at this lecture by visiting www.jo-cox-lecture.eventbrite.co.uk.