Conference and Events hire

Welcome to the Ray Dolby Centre, the new home of the Cavendish Laboratory. With world-class facilities, flexible event spaces, and a history of scientific discovery, the Centre is the perfect place to host your next meeting, seminar, or conference.

Deliberately open and inclusive, the building encourages connection and exchange across disciplines and communities. Spanning five floors with a single central entrance, it brings together academics, professionals, and partners – all sharing a sense of belonging within a wider scientific and cultural landscape.

Ready to plan your event at the RDC?

Our events team will help you design the perfect package. Complete our enquiry form or contact us at events@phy.cam.ac.uk and we’ll be in touch to discuss your requirements.

For more details about our facilities and room hire rates please view our conference and events brochure.

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Meeting rooms

From our 407-seat auditorium to light-filled seminar rooms, we provide an inspiring environment for collaboration and innovation.

Ray Dolby Auditorium

407 seat capacity

Lecture Theatre

120 seat capacity

Cluster Room

80 seat capacity

Seminar East & West

Flexible space; allowing for a choice of meeting set-ups

Support spaces

Servicing all meeting rooms, our support spaces offer opportunity across three floors of the atrium for catering, networking, and poster exhibitions.

Ground Floor Atrium

Large open area on the ground floor ideal for catering and poster exhibitions.

Exhibition Space

First floor catering area. The main display cabinets of Cavendish Museum provide opportunities for delegates to learn about the history of the Cavendish during refreshment breaks.

Ray Dolby Auditorium Support Space

A wrap around space on the second floor providing great views over Cambridge West.

Central Courtyard

Second floor catering area with access to the outdoor courtyard.

Catering

Every great event deserves great experiences – exceptional food along with inspiring spaces. Our in-house partners, Cambridge Dining Co., craft seasonal menus for every occasion, from coffee breaks and buffet lunches to elegant dinners. Together, these offerings can make your event at the Ray Dolby Centre truly unforgettable.

Cambridge Dining Co.

Delivering seasonal fresh food within iconic spaces Cambridge Dining Co. pride themselves on creating memorable event experiences. Working alongside local suppliers their chefs create fresh, exciting food to suit your brief.

Cavendish Café

Located on the 3rd floor of the centre with panoramic views of the city, the Cavendish Café provides the perfect retreat for busy professionals, researchers, and Cambridge locals alike. Open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3pm