News & Research

TACKLING THE COMPLEX ISSUES OF OUR TIME

Discover the latest news and groundbreaking research from St John’s, where big ideas shape the future. From pioneering scientific discoveries to thought-provoking academic insights, explore how our community continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

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

Research
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Wheat in a field
Expert awarded one of USA’s highest honours in science

“I feel an immense gratitude to my team for all the wonderful science that we do together”

Research
News
Professor Laura Torrente and Dr Collin Smith have published a study that challenges assumptions about how renewable sources are best used in green ammonia production
Study prompts rethink over cost of renewables in green ammonia production

New research by a College Fellow is challenging assumptions about how best to use renewable electricity in green ammonia production, offering ways that could make it more cost-effective.

Research
News
A teenager with their hand covering their face looks at a mobile phone in a darkened room
Harmful effects of digital tech – the science ‘needs fixing’, experts argue

Online technologies from social media to AI are changing too fast for scientific infrastructure to gauge their public health harms, say two leaders in their field.

Research
News
Photograph of the Great Gate
Post Office scandal judge, espionage historian, and ‘Slow Horses’ TV executive among new Honorary Fellows

Seven eminent individuals with expertise ranging from miscarriages of justice, marine climate change, and artificial intelligence to the history of spycraft have been elected as Honorary Fellows of St John’s College.

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Photograph of Professor Richard Samworth
‘Outstanding’ statistician wins Guy Medal in Silver

Richard’s contribution to methodological and theoretical statistics has been truly outstanding, as have his contributions to the statistical profession

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Professor Samworth photograph
Fellow wins medal for ‘reshaping’ understanding of statistics

A ‘stellar’ mathematician from St John’s is one of the first winners of the David Cox Medal for Statistics, which commemorates the work of a ‘giant of a statistician’ and alumnus

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sepia photograph of rowers
Oldest rowing club in Cambridge celebrates two centuries of power, passion and prestige

Lady Margaret Boat Club’s 200-year legacy is a story of exceptional achievement, not just at St John’s, but in the world of rowing

News
X-ray diffraction patterns, recorded, solved illustration
Spinning, twisted light could power next-generation electronics

"It’s like working with a Lego set with every kind of shape you can imagine, rather than just rectangular bricks"

Research
The historic case of the St John’s College organ, designed by John Oldrid Scott, will remain unchanged. Credit: Nordin Ćatić
Chapel organ project will ‘elevate’ sacred music

A historic organ originally constructed by ‘Father’ Henry Willis is due to be installed in the Chapel at St John’s College.

News
An illustration of the copper nano-flowers on a tree. Credit: Virgil Andrei
Tiny copper ‘flowers’ bloom on artificial leaves for clean fuel production

Tiny copper ‘nano-flowers’ have been attached to an artificial leaf to produce clean fuels and chemicals that are the backbone of modern energy and manufacturing.

Research
Portrait of Ritwick Sawakar
St John’s academic awarded £4 million to ‘think big’

This grant will allow us to understand how our bodies react to these modern medicines

Research
Dr Kendall portrait
World-renowned Middle East expert to give Hinsley Memorial Lecture 2025

Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Mistress of Girton College, to speak on ‘The Role of Yemen and the Houthis in the Broader Middle East Conflict’

News
Impact of genetics and environmental factors on people’s weight highlighted in 2025 Linacre Lecture

Up to 70 per cent of weight differences are genetic, with common variants influencing appetite and metabolism, a pioneering research scientist has explained in a historic lecture at St John’s College.

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Professor Erwin Reisner, left, and Dr Sayan Kar in the lab.
Solar-powered device captures carbon dioxide from air to make sustainable fuel

Cambridge researchers have developed a reactor that pulls carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel, using sunlight as the power source.

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Research
Pratyush Ghosh
PhD student awarded 2025 Cavendish Prize for study that ‘rewrites a law of physics’

A PhD student from St John’s has won a 2025 Cavendish Annual Thesis Prize for his achievements in quantum physics that could advance display and solar technology.

Research
Dr Andrea Luppi receives his award at the Italian Embassy.
Research Fellow wins second science innovation prize in less than a month

An Italian early-career researcher at St John’s has been recognised by his home country for his work in neuroscience.

Research
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Graduates celebrated for their outstanding academic work and contributions to College life stand with the Master
Pole-vaulter, playwright, and music society president awarded prizes

Five graduates celebrated for their outstanding academic work and contributions to College life

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Professor Ulinka Rublack photograph
Fellow awarded literary prize for ‘captivating’ biography of Renaissance artist

Historian ‘deeply honoured’ to receive Einhard Prize 2025 for her book on Albrecht Dürer

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