Unlocking the secrets of life in the universe with opening of Cambridge’s Ray Dolby Centre

A state-of-the-art facility designed to push the boundaries of what is possible

“A state-of-the-art facility designed to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

That’s how Professor Mete Atatüre, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory and a Fellow of St John’s, has described The Ray Dolby Centre – the new home of Cambridge Cavendish Laboratory and a major asset for the University, the city and the nation.

Professor Atatüre, who is College Lecturer and Director of Studies for Physics and Astrophysics and for Mathematics for Natural Sciences, said: “Our new home presents unprecedented possibilities enabling our researchers to tackle some of the greatest scientific challenges of our time, from unlocking the secrets of dark matter and origins of life in the universe, to addressing the energy crisis for a sustainable society and translating quantum science to technologies of tomorrow.”

The Cavendish, which has produced 31 Nobel Prize-winners, is one of the world’s most influential science laboratories. In the 150 years since its founding, its scientists have fundamentally changed our understanding of the physical world. It is where the electron, the neutron and the structure of DNA were discovered, and where new frontiers in physics research are being explored today.

From left: Professor Deborah Prentice, Professor Mete Atatüre, Dagmar Dolby and Lord Spencer Livermore at the official opening

The new facility was officially opened by Cambridge alumna and philanthropist Dagmar Dolby, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice, Professor Atatüre, and Lord Spencer Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Growth, on Friday 9 May.

The centre has been named in recognition of a generous £85 million donation from the estate of Cambridge alumnus and sound pioneer Ray Dolby. Another £75 million support came from the UK government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Research
News

Related articles

Charlie Colenutt at St John's College, with the Bridge of Sighs in the background
Confessions of the working people

A History postgraduate at St John’s College who travelled Britain interviewing strangers about their jobs reveals the career ladder to happiness – which might not be what you think

News
Research
World-leading economist elected to international Fellowship for his ‘significant’ influence

Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, Fellow of St John's, has received the honour which recognises economists whose work has shaped the discipline and informed policy

News
Research
Photograph of Professor Laura Diaz Anadon
Academic to help shape UK climate policy in drive to net zero

Professor Laura Diaz Anadon, Fellow of St John’s, has been appointed to the independent body that advises the Government on emissions targets and progress towards net zero

News
Montage of Professors Orietta Da Rold and Dhruv Ranganathan
‘Inspirational’ St John’s academics honoured for exceptional teaching

Two visionary St John’s College Fellows in Humanities and STEM subjects recognised for their transformative work with students in prestigious University of Cambridge awards

News
Research