The research will examine the financial benefits that Cambridge may have gained from the slave trade, as well as the role of scholarship in perpetuating race-based thinking from the 18th to the early 20th Century. It is estimated that between 10 million and 28 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with many perishing during the journey and those who survived facing a life of oppression on plantations. While the trans-Atlantic slave trade was abolished in Britain in 1807, slavery itself was not fully abolished until a generation later. Martin Millett, the head of the advisory group overseeing the Cambridge study, mentioned that it was unclear what the investigation might reveal, but it is reasonable to assume that Cambridge had gained advantages from the slave trade. He stated that like many other large British institutions during the colonial era, the University likely benefitted directly or indirectly from, and contributed to, the practices of that time. The benefits could have been financial or through other forms of support. However, the panel is also interested in how scholars at the University influenced public and political opinion, either by supporting, reinforcing, or challenging racial attitudes that are unacceptable in the 21st century. The inquiry will be carried out by two full-time post-doctoral researchers from the Centre of African Studies. The study will investigate specific donations, inheritances, and historical ties to the slave trade. It is uncertain what steps Cambridge University will take if it discovers any benefits or endorsements of slavery. Many prestigious universities in the West are also reviewing their histories and the origins of their wealth. In the United States, universities in the South have faced controversy over the Confederate flag. In response to protests, Yale University renamed its Calhoun College in 2017, removing the honor given to an alumnus who supported U.S. slavery. The college is now known as Grace Hopper College in honor of the computer scientist. Oxford University in Britain is currently debating whether or not to remove a statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes from one of its colleges. Glasgow University has committed to a reparative justice program after finding it profited from historical slavery. Cambridge University's vice chancellor, Stephen Toope, believes it is important to confront and acknowledge the university's role in dark periods of history. Opponents argue that investigations into historical injustices are being driven by a modern trend, lacking nuance and potentially calling into question many facets of early institutional history. Gill Evans, a retired professor from Cambridge University, believes that universities are now compelled to scrutinize their ties to colonialism due to the current anti-colonial climate. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and intentions of the people involved before assigning blame, as culpability cannot simply be transferred across different time periods without careful consideration. Cambridge University, one of the oldest universities in the world, can trace its roots back over 800 years to 1209 when scholars from Oxford sought refuge in the city. Oxford University itself has a history dating back to 1096.