The Master of the College
The current Master of the College, Dr Mike Rands, is a conservation biologist, former Chief Executive for BirdLife International and Founding Director of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.
Our Community
Addressing environmental issues is a global challenge that spans all disciplines. Our progress on sustainability is driven by the energy and expertise of our entire community – Fellows, staff, and students alike.
Darwin is committed to supporting research addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals at all levels of its public engagement and sharing of research, and our fellowship includes leaders in biodiversity conservation, climate science, engineering and public health. Below we introduce some of the key people helping to lead and coordinate these efforts.
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Sustainability Project Manager
Miriam Remshard, PhD student in Psychology at Peterhouse College, is the current Sustainability Project Manager, a two-year part-time role in which she works with students and staff across the College to support sustainable activity and ensure that Darwin’s impact on the environment continues to be considered in every aspect of College life. Miriam took on the role in October 2024, succeeding Meg Groom.
DCSA Green Officer
Kilian Bartsch is the DCSA Green Officer for the 2025/2026 academic year. He is also pursuing a PhD in Engineering, where he focuses on Thermal Management for Hydrogen Aircraft (Fuel Cell & Gas Turbine).
Climate Society President and Treasurer
Liz Pflugbeil and Mika Kontiainen are the President and Treasurer for the Climate Society for the 2025/2026 academic year. In this capacity they host speaker events, climate discussions, board game nights and other socials throughout term.
Liz is pursuing a PhD in Land Economy, examining the role of governmental policies in encouraging different types of companies’ investments in clean energy technology innovation.
Mika’s PhD in Astronomy focuses on understanding how the stellar environment impacts planet formation and evolution, particularly in the context of hot Jupiters.
Gardener
Derrienne Bell is the College’s first full-time Gardener. Her work shapes and maintains the unique character of the Darwin gardens, bringing sunshine through her welcoming conversations with students, floral arrangements for special events and monthly garden updates.
Garden Fellow
Dr Torsten Krude serves as the Darwin Garden Fellow. An Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, his research explores how DNA replication is regulated in human cells. Beyond his academic work, he partners with College Gardener Derry to ensure that the College gardens continue to flourish
Catering Manager
Darwin’s Catering Manager, Ivan Higney and his team have won multiple awards for their demonstrated sustainability leadership within the College, and the wider University. As of Michaelmas 2023, the default option at Formall Hall is vegetarian, and vegan and vegetarian meals are subsidised more generously than meat options. For more information, see the Food and Waste section of our website.
Collaborators
The College has a close working relationship with Cambridge Zero, the University of Cambridge’s response to the climate crisis, whose Director, Professor Emily Shuckburgh OBE is a College Fellow
