St John's College News
Academic wins European Heritage Award for ‘unprecedented’ study
“Each winning achievement is the result of extraordinary skills and commitment spanning heritage places and traditions across Europe”An architectural historian from St John’s has won Europe’s top heritage award for her ‘inspiring’ research. Professor Deborah Howard is among 30 winners in the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023 for her study into the architectural heritage of industrial development of the Veneto, Italy, in the 16th-century, which was described by judges as ‘unprecedented’. The awards, funded…read moreArchbishop of Canterbury confers education and scholarship award upon Dean of Chapel
The Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley is honoured for building bridges between the Church and poets ‘with enormous energy and skill’The Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley, St John’s College Dean of Chapel, has been presented with a prestigious award for ‘outstanding’ education and scholarship by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Lanfranc Award was conferred upon Dr Oakley by The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby during a ceremony and reception at Lambeth Palace in London on 22 June 2023. The presentation, which was also…read moreClean, sustainable fuels made ‘from thin air’ and plastic waste
“We can cut out the fossil fuel industry from the process of fuel production, which can hopefully help us avoid climate destruction”Researchers have demonstrated how carbon dioxide can be captured from industrial processes – or even directly from the air – and transformed into clean, sustainable fuels using just the energy from the sun. The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, developed a solar-powered reactor that converts captured CO2 and plastic waste into sustainable fuels and other valuable chemical products.…read moreCollege gets Platinum sustainability award for third year in a row
“Each year it’s exciting to see the strengthening of our evidence for different elements of our submission”St John’s has been awarded the highest accreditation in the University of Cambridge Green Impact scheme for the third time. The annual programme supports and encourages departments and Colleges across the University to act collectively to reduce their environmental impact and to implement different sustainable policies that lead to positive change. The Platinum Colleges accolade awarded to St…read moreThe risk taker who jumped from Big Pharma – and never looked back
“I'm not fazed by carving my own path. I never felt that being a woman has held me back in any way”A willingness to take risks, resilience and a “can-do attitude” are the keys to success for the Johnian woman who became UK president of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca – then walked away to rescue a struggling biotech start-up. In the latest episode of the new St John’s podcast Souvient, Lisa Anson explains the thrill of working for Redx Pharma, a small cancer drugs developer she joined after…read moreRather be at St John’s
“I really like meeting and interacting with people so the community side of College life really appeals to me”A new Domestic Bursar has started at St John’s to oversee the operational management of the College. Alison Cox spent the best part of 30 years at Sir Robert McAlpine where she rose through the ranks of the construction company, progressing from student engineer to managing director of the London unit with responsibility for a £750m budget and 800 staff. The Oxford graduate talks about what…read moreReasons to be cheerful: the scientist pioneering solar technology to tackle the climate crisis
“Today I am a huge optimist. The fact that wind – even offshore – and solar are cost-comparable against fossil fuel for new electricity generation is a miracle”In the latest article of our series focusing on energy, we profile Professor Sir Richard Friend, Fellow of St John’s, whose research is transforming the efficiency of solar cells, dramatically boosting the prospects of cheap electricity powered by the sun. In an age when efforts to reverse the climate crisis are fraught with challenges, Professor Sir Richard Friend – physicist and expert on…read moreWinners revealed in Student Art & Photography exhibition 2023
Nearly 100 entries in this year's competition showcasing creative skillsTalented winners and runners-up in the 2023 St John’s College Student Art and Photography Competition have been announced. Submissions in the form of photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and digital films were invited for this year’s competition, which was open to all Junior Members of College in residence, with prizes of up to £200 offered. The…read moreLifetime honour for Fellow recognised by Royal Irish Academy
Pioneer in study of medieval Irish history, literature and language awarded Ireland’s highest academic honourA pioneering academic at St John’s College has been formally admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), Ireland’s leading body of experts in the sciences and humanities. Professor Máire Ní Mhaonaigh was elected to the Academy with 27 other new members chosen for their exceptional contributions to the sciences, humanities and social sciences, and to public service. She…read moreA life extraordinary: meet Chris Gray, new Director of Music at St John’s
Cambridge is a very cerebral place where people spend a lot of time in their frontal cortex, as it were, but music can speak to your heartChristopher Gray has joined St John’s as the new Director of Music, having led Truro Cathedral Choir and bringing it international acclaim. An exceptional musician, Chris tells us about climbing trees with the choristers, being on Britain's Got Talent and the secret to what makes The Choir of St John’s so magical. You started at St John’s at the beginning of Easter Term, how did you break the…read moreDelving into the archives: energy in days gone by
Accounts reveal a centuries-old struggle to fend off the Fenland cold and bring light and warmth to the lives of the St John’s communityThe mental image of the shivering student in a freezing garret, peering at his books by candlelight, is perhaps as old as scholarship itself. But how true a reflection is it of life at St John’s in the days before central heating and electricity? As the College takes steps towards more sustainable energy consumption, and addresses the wider theme of energy in an online series of articles, a dip…read moreFellow elected to German National Academy of Sciences
Pioneering plant scientist ‘humbled’ by her achievementProfessor Uta Paszkowski, a Fellow of St John’s College, has been elected a member of the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Professor Paszkowski is leader of the Cereal Symbiosis group at the Crop Science Centre – a coalition between the University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany Trust (NIAB) – and College…read moreDriving on sunshine: clean, usable liquid fuels made from solar power
An important step in the transition away from a fossil fuel-based economyResearchers have developed a solar-powered technology that converts carbon dioxide and water into liquid fuels that can be added directly to a car’s engine as drop-in fuel. The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, harnessed the power of photosynthesis to convert CO2, water and sunlight into multicarbon fuels – ethanol and propanol – in a single step. These fuels have a high…read moreMusicians from St John’s shine during ‘magnificent’ showcase of British talent at King’s Coronation
“It was an extraordinary and joyful experience to be chosen to direct the music for the Coronation”An impressive array of former choristers, composers and clergy from St John’s College took part in the spectacular Coronation Service of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey. People taking major roles include Andrew Nethsingha – Director of Music at St John’s from 2007 until December 2022 – who directed the music throughout Saturday’s service, watched by millions of people…read moreMental health advocate and medic wins top University award
“The winners have demonstrated that innovation and perseverance can go a long way in making a positive impact on society”Student mental health campaigner Imogen Arden-Jones has received a Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Award for her activism including encouraging more young people to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Imogen, a fifth-year medic at St John’s College, was among 15 Cambridge students recognised this year in celebration of exceptional contributions to society. Imogen said: “For me, social action…read more‘Exceptional’ St John’s scientist elected as Fellow of the Royal Society
“These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond”Evolutionary biologist Professor Chris Jiggins has been named as one of the new Fellows of the Royal Society for his ‘substantial contribution to the advancement of science’. Professor Jiggins is Director of Studies at St John’s for Natural Sciences (Biological) and a Fellow of the College. He joins 58 other new Fellows on the list of new members of the oldest science academy in continuous…read more‘Spellbinding’ Coronation Service held at St John’s College to mark historic day
“The Choir were inspired to give of their very best by the magisterial playing of the Academy of Ancient Music”Hundreds of people attended a specially-devised sequence of music and readings in the iconic Chapel of St John’s College on Sunday to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. The globally-renowned Choir of St John’s was joined by leading period-instrument orchestra the Academy of Ancient Music for the Coronation Anthems by Handel – notably the famous Zadok The Priest. The service was built…read moreKing Charles I’s personal Order of Service from his Coronation in 1626 to go on display
“It never stops being exciting to know we have something in the Special Collections that was held in the hand of a monarch as he was crowned King”An elaborate Royal spectacle including centuries-old traditions will be on show to the world when King Charles III’s Coronation takes place in London. For 900 years the coronation has been held in Westminster Abbey – William the Conqueror was the first monarch to be crowned there, King Charles will be the 40th. King Charles I’s ceremony took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 February 1626…read moreSt John’s academics and postgraduates reach finals of student-led awards
Annual presentations give students chance to highlight exceptional contributionsFive members of the St John’s community have been shortlisted for awards after being nominated by Cambridge University students for outstanding teaching and pastoral support. The annual Student-Led Teaching Awards (SLTAs) celebrate academic and non-academic staff across the University and its Colleges, providing an opportunity for students to highlight exceptional contributions to their…read moreStudents win prizes for outstanding sportsmanship
Awards presented for exceptional College sporting achievements and good characterSt John’s students Bilal Qureshi and Jenny Dunstan have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to College sport at this year’s Annual General Athletics Club Colours Dinner. The Colours Dinner, as it is known, recognises exceptional achievements and good character in the sports men and women of St John’s. The Bob Fuller Trophy was awarded to College hockey club president Bilal for…read moreTributes paid to world-renowned linguist and ‘nurturer of young talent’
Author of ‘The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics’ is described as an inspiring teacher and great scholarAn Emeritus Professor of St John’s College – ‘one of the most distinguished British linguists of his generation’ – has been remembered following his death at the age of 89. Professor Peter Hugoe Matthews FBA died at his home in Cambridge on 7 April after a long period of illness. An alumnus of St John’s, where he studied Classics and later Italian and Linguistics, he had been a Fellow of the…read moreAndrew Chamblin Memorial Concert 2023
Annual tribute to late scientistThe 17th annual Andrew Chamblin Memorial Concert will be given by Thierry Escaich at 8pm in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford on Thursday 22 June 2023 and will also be livestreamed online. Mr Escaich will play an hour-long programme of organ works by Bach, Franck, Vierne, Brahms and Widor. Dr Howard Andrew Chamblin came to St John's College in 1992 on a National Science Foundation Graduate…read moreSt John’s College May Ball 2023 promises to be a night to remember
Get ready for “the seventh best party in the world”Plans are hotting up for the spectacular annual St John’s College May Ball – with the chance to win tickets in a charity raffle. Famously once named the seventh best party in the world by Time Magazine, this year’s all-night extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with new spaces opening up plus a post-fireworks surprise. Spanning the length and breadth of the historic…read morePlaying to her strengths – the engineer taking her skills to places of crisis
“When you’re working in the field, you’re exposed every day to the challenges faced by the people living there”Working in some of the planet’s most war-torn and politically volatile nations is a world away from the safe, cobbled streets of Cambridge – but St John’s postgraduate Emma Houiellebecq takes it all in her stride. Emma is currently working in Gaza and Venezuela as part of a PhD research collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with whom she previously worked as an…read moreNewell Classical Event 2023
In conversation with Natalie Haynes, writer, broadcaster, comedian, classicistThe Newell Classical Event 2023, celebrating the classical world, stars Natalie Haynes, who will discuss her career as a novelist, radio presenter, comedian and classicist in conversation with Professor Tim Whitmarsh. The event will take place at 7.15pm on Thursday 11 May at St John's College. All are very welcome, and no knowledge of ancient literature or history will be required. …read more