The Ray Dolby Centre, the state-of-the-art new home of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory and a major asset for the University, the city and the country, was officially opened on 9 May, at a ceremony in Cambridge.
The Cavendish is one of the world’s most influential science laboratories. In the 150 years since its founding, scientists from the Cavendish 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 – such as unlocking the secrets of dark matter and origins of life in the universe, as well as addressing the energy crisis for a sustainable society and translating quantum science to the technologies of tomorrow – are being explored today. Thirty-one affiliates of the Cavendish Laboratory have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
The new facility designed by Jestico + Whiles and constructed by Bouygues UK – which features 173 laboratories, lecture halls, learning and collaborative spaces, workshops, cleanrooms and offices – is set to revolutionise physics research and education at Cambridge, and boost innovation in key areas such as semiconductors, quantum communications, new methods of disease detection, and large-scale energy generation and storage.
The Ray Dolby Centre was officially opened by Dagmar Dolby, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice, Professor Mete Atatüre, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory, and Lord Spencer Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Growth. Named in recognition of a generous £85 million donation from the estate of Cambridge alumnus and sound pioneer Ray Dolby, along with £75 million support from the UK government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Ray Dolby Centre stands as a testament to Dolby’s enduring legacy and commitment to scientific innovation.
The formal opening of the Ray Dolby Centre also marks a significant milestone in the development of the Cambridge West Innovation District, home to the University’s world-leading research in physics, engineering, and computer science. Purpose-built for innovation and discovery, it brings together a community of the brightest minds to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. The new centre sits alongside the popular interdisciplinary West Hub building.
"The Ray Dolby Centre is truly a landmark building. The official opening marks the culmination of many years of hard work by teams from across the division to move this project through its phases from concept to completion and operation. The building, along with the West Hub next door, are at the heart of the University of Cambridge's vision to transform the Cambridge West Innovation District into a connected and sustainable place open to all."
Graham Matthews, Director of Estates, University of Cambridge
“The Ray Dolby Centre is a state-of-the-art national facility for physics which sits at the heart of the emerging Cambridge West Innovation District. This unique environment is transforming how the UK does science, creating the leading location in Europe that brings together academics, entrepreneurs, and industry. It will be at the forefront of AI, quantum, and climate research, catalysing the growth of UK science and technology.”
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge