Opening of the Ruth First Wing - Mill Hill Lane, Sociology Department

The Department of Sociology warmly invites colleagues, students, alumni, friends of the department, and external guests to join us for a special celebration marking the opening and re-naming of the Ruth First Wing within our new home at Mill Hill Lane.

Following the department’s recent relocation from Old Elvet, this event offers an opportunity to celebrate both a new chapter for Sociology at Durham and the department’s longstanding contribution to sociological research, teaching, and public engagement. The occasion also launches the new ‘Friends of Durham Sociology’ in recognition of the department’s recent 60th anniversary, marking six decades since Sociology was founded at Durham in 1964.

The re-naming of the Ruth First Wing (formerly Garden Block) honours the life and legacy of Ruth First - sociologist, journalist, anti-apartheid activist, and former Durham lecturer - who taught in the Department of Sociology during the 1970s. Ruth First was internationally recognised for her courageous scholarship and political activism, particularly her work exposing the realities of apartheid in South Africa and advocating for social justice and human rights. Her work continues to inspire generations of scholars, activists, and students both within Durham and beyond.

The event will take place on:

Wednesday 24th June
4:00pm-5:00pm
Sociology Lobby Area, Mill Hill Lane
(next to the Fusion Café)

Refreshments will be provided.

The opening celebration will be followed by the Ruth First Scholar Seminar from 5:30–6:45pm in the Lindisfarne Centre, Mill Hill Lane.

Speakers include:

• Bazela Rivombo (Ruth First Scholar) - From Fieldwork to Forecasts: Bridging Communities to Data-Driven Development
• Tashi Pema (Hatfield Lioness Scholar)- Power and Belonging: A Woman in Hydropower

Further information regarding the scholar seminar will be circulated in due course – this is being organised by Helen Charnley (h.m.charnley@durham.ac.uk) – whom you are very welcome to contact directly with any queries).