A major chapter in the UK’s scientific future has begun with the official opening of the Ray Dolby Centre in Cambridge. Designed to propel world-class research in physics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and climate science, the centre forms the heart of the University of Cambridge’s emerging West Innovation District.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice hailed the opening as a national milestone. “This unique environment is transforming how the UK does science,” she said, describing the facility as “the leading location in Europe” for bringing together academics, entrepreneurs, and industry. The centre is set to foster innovation at the intersection of disciplines, offering world-class infrastructure to address the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Built to match the most demanding standards of modern research, the Ray Dolby Centre will replace the ageing Cavendish Laboratory facilities, which date back to the 1970s. The new building will better serve future generations of researchers and students, while continuing to honour the legacy of scientific giants who shaped modern physics.
A Bridge Between Science and Society
Unlike traditional laboratories, the Ray Dolby Centre is designed with community engagement in mind. Six public courtyards form the heart of the building, alongside exhibition areas, outreach zones, and a café open to visitors. The building is also the new home of the Cavendish Museum, where visitors can view iconic artefacts such as the DNA model by Watson and Crick and the cathode ray tube used in the discovery of the electron.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), praised the facility’s collaborative spirit. “It will inspire future generations and foster new partnerships,” she said, highlighting its national significance and its pioneering approach to sharing equipment and expertise.
Designed by Jestico + Whiles and built by Bouygues UK, the project was made possible through support from donors including the Wolfson Foundation and Humphrey Battcock. With public events already planned and research teams moving in, the Ray Dolby Centre promises to be a beacon of science and innovation for Cambridge — and the world.
