Girton College is delighted to announce the launch of ROOTS: An Interdisciplinary Lab for Environment, Law, and Economics. ROOTS is a new initiative developed from a shared belief that the complex challenges of our world today, including climate change, sustainability, and social justice, require solutions that cross disciplinary boundaries.
The official launch took place on Sunday 19 October, marked by a truly inspiring talk from Ms Runa Khan, Founder of Friendship, an international social purpose organisation working in Bangladesh and winner of the Earthshot Prize 2025. This event formed part of the new ROOTS Spotlight Series, which will feature speakers and practitioners whose work bridges sustainability, law, economics and beyond.
Ms Khan spoke passionately about Friendship’s mission to bring dignity, resilience, and hope to some of the most vulnerable communities through initiatives in climate adaptation, poverty alleviation, and empowerment. Her reflections reminded us that sustainability is not only about protecting our environment but also about ensuring equity and justice for people.
Why ROOTS?
The name ROOTS captures the values and purpose of this new Lab:
- Research – grounded in interdisciplinary inquiry
- Opportunity – creating space for diverse student leadership
- Organising – fostering collective action across sectors and disciplines
- Transformation – applying knowledge to shift policy and practice
- Sustainability – the unifying principle connecting environment, law, and economics
The vision for ROOTS is to create a collaborative space where students can learn, lead, and make a tangible difference. Through seminars, student-led research projects, field visits, and public lectures, ROOTS will offer opportunities for Girton students to explore how knowledge translates into real-world impact.
The Lab seeks to foster interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together law students, economists, geographers, and others to work collaboratively toward shared sustainability goals. ROOTS will serve as a platform for creative, applied learning that reflects Girton’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and sustainability.
The launch of ROOTS marks not just the beginning of a programme, but the planting of an idea: that meaningful change grows from curiosity, collaboration, and community. Girton College extends sincere thanks to all who have contributed to bringing this vision to life, in particular Girton Fellow, Dr Antoinette Nestor, who is leading the programme, and to Ms Runa Khan for inspiring all at the Lab's inaugural event.
Students who would like to get involved are warmly encouraged to join the pilot phase of ROOTS and help shape its future.
For more information, visit ROOTS at Girton. To take part, please contact: roots@girton.cam.ac.uk