Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge

On 3 October 2022, Elisabeth Kendall was welcomed as the 20th Mistress of Girton College.

Elisabeth’s research focuses on how militant jihadist groups utilize 'soft' culture and local grievances for recruitment and community acceptance, primarily centred on Arabic-language materials. She has extensive fieldwork experience, particularly in Yemen. While her earlier research delved into theoretical questions of Arabic literary and linguistic development, her focus shifted post-9/11 to militant jihad. She directed a UK government-sponsored Centre focusing on Arabic language expertise and jihad research. During the Arab Spring, she examined its impact on extremism, transitioning from Egypt to Yemen. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with various organisations, including the UN Envoy to Yemen and NATO, and she chairs a grassroots NGO. She prioritises making a real-world impact, engaging with international media, delivering speeches, and contributing to newspapers and online platforms.