Koch History Centre
Thanks to a generous donation from the author, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Wadham alumnus, Richard Koch (History, 1968), the Koch History Centre has been inaugurated to provide an institutional home in Oxford for the pursuit of world-class historical research.
“The study of big questions in history has fascinated me since my teens. I am delighted to see this Centre established at Oxford, with its unparalleled excellence in research and teaching.”
Author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Richard Koch (History, 1968)
“The Koch History Centre is a wonderful testament to the enduring value of history research at Oxford, and we are delighted to welcome the inaugural cohort of Koch Fellows this year. It’s an auspicious moment for the university with the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities opening to students, staff, and the public this autumn, underlining the power and centrality of the Humanities in the wider world.”
Professor Daniel Grimley, Head of the Humanities Division
“We are deeply grateful to Richard for this gift. It is a powerful validation of the importance of studying history, and a sign of confidence in the humanities. It also underlines the life-changing impact of the tutorial education which we have maintained here at Wadham over the generations”.
Robert Hannigan, Warden of Wadham
“The appointment of twelve Koch Fellows each year from all over the world will greatly enrich the study of history at Oxford, offering the Fellows the opportunity to engage with the interdisciplinary research culture fostered at Wadham. The Centre marks an important moment for Wadham and the Faculty of History”.
Professor Tehila Sasson, Tutorial Fellow in History at Wadham
The Koch History Centre Fellows
The Faculty of History and Wadham College, Oxford, are delighted to announce the names of the inaugural Koch History Centre Fellows, appointed for the academic year 2025-2026 on the theme of Religion and the State. The Fellows will pursue independent research projects while at the Centre, coming together to discuss the historiographical implications of their work through a regular seminar series.
Director
“At the age of 18, I was taught to think. My wonderful tutors, Cliff Davies and Pat Thompson, spent an hour a week with me, alone, giving me the opportunity to learn from their sceptical minds, and to imitate them in probing hard historical issues and creating new insights. I was not their equal at all, but in treating me as such I learned so much. I am convinced that only the tutorial system can do this, and that history is the perfect subject for training people how to have great new ideas. I have made discoveries in business theory and practice that I would not otherwise have had a chance of making. It gives me enormous pleasure to make a small contribution back to Wadham, to history, and to accomplished yet young historians who will publish great works. I would like to thank Robert Hannigan and Jane Garnett for making this possible: I admire what you are doing, your openness and generosity, and your love and care for this fantastic College.“
Richard Koch
“We are deeply grateful to Richard for this gift. It is a powerful validation of the importance of studying history, and a sign of confidence in the humanities. It also underlines the life-changing impact of the tutorial education which we have maintained here at Wadham over the generations”.
Robert Hannigan, Warden of Wadham