Many congratulations to Clare Hall Alumna and Life Member Dr Mariana Pereira, who has been elected Secretary General of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for the 2026–2029 term. Her election took place at the organisation’s General Assembly in Kuching, Malaysia.

ICOMOS is a global non-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage. It is also one of the three Advisory Bodies to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, providing expert advice on cultural World Heritage nominations and conservation matters. As Secretary General, Dr Pereira serves as one of the organisation’s elected officers, working alongside the President and other elected Board members to support its governance and help advance heritage conservation and safeguarding worldwide.

Mariana joined Clare Hall in 2017 as an MPhil student in Archaeological Heritage and Museums, before continuing at Cambridge for a PhD in Archaeology. Her doctoral research examined how cultural heritage connects with diaspora and identity, focusing on heritage practices among post-displacement Macanese and Portuguese-speaking communities.

Alongside her studies, Mariana gave much of her time to College life. As GSB Secretary and later President, she helped welcome new students, represented the graduate community and worked with fellow student officers to support student welfare. She also led the events team for the Lost in Wonderland Summer Soirée.

Bringing people together remained central to her work as GSB Fellow-Student Interaction Officer. She co-organised Clare Hall Conversations and the Easter Seminar Series, and established a mentoring scheme linking postdoctoral researchers with graduate students. Beyond College, she served as Vice-President and President of the Cambridge Migration Society between 2019 and 2021.

Looking back, Mariana sees a connection between these experiences and her work today. Representing students, taking part in College governance and building relationships across academic and cultural backgrounds all helped prepare her for her new responsibilities.

Reflecting on her election, Mariana said:

“I am very honoured to have been entrusted with this role, and look forward to contributing to the organisation’s work on cultural heritage, particularly by strengthening its governance, supporting its members, and encouraging greater participation across its international community.”

We wish Mariana every success and look forward to hearing more about her work with ICOMOS.