CAMSED (Cambridge Society for Social and Economic Development) is an initiative of postgraduate students of the Centre of Development Studies at Cambridge. The primary objective of CAMSED is to “promote and constitute a space for the academic discussion of research and policies related to social and economic development, from a multidisciplinary perspective”. To this end, the Society provides a forum for students and academics involved in the Centre of Development Studies for discussion, critical evaluation and dissemination of research and ideas in this field. It organises regular seminars and conferences related to the field of Development Studies, and seeks to collaborate with similarly-motivated societies and individuals around the world. It also plans cultural and social events as a means to create healthy interaction among its members and provide space for free exchange of ideas.

In the current global context, poverty, inequality, stagnant economic growth, lack of personal freedoms and under-provision of healthcare and education are some of the most important and enduring challenges for Development. CAMSED is convinced, that owing to their diverse and holistic nature, solutions to these problems cannot be sought from any one particular academic field. The Society, therefore, combines insights from a broad range of disciplines, and the research of its members includes topics ranging from trade, finance, industrial policy, agricultural development and resource management, to social mobility, poverty, education and institutional change.