skip to content

Department of Physics

The Cavendish Laboratory
 

Background

 

The Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability was established in 2011 at the Cavendish through the donation of £20 million by David Harding, the Founder, Chief Executive Office and Chairman of Winton Capital Management Ltd.  His gift, the largest donation to the Laboratory since its creation in 1874, has created a new programme with the mission to find and support the fundamental new physics that can make a big impact on meeting the growing demand on our natural resources.

The programme's first director was Professor Sir Richard Friend, the Cavendish Professor of Physics and a world-renowned leading expert on the physics, materials science and engineering of semiconductor devices. The programme is now lead by Siân E. Dutton, Reader in Physics and Solid State Chemistry at the Cavendish. 

Professor Sir Richard Friend (left), Cavendish Professor and Director of the Winton Programme and David Harding (right), the Founder, Chief Executive Office and Chairman of Winton Capital Management
 

Research Programme

 

The Winton Programme has established a number of schemes to bring bright young scientists to the Cavendish and provides opportunities for existing researchers to explore new directions of research, both in the Department and with collaborations across the University and beyond.

The funding opportunities include:

  • Awards of up to 8 PhD Scholarships annually
  • 5-year Advanced Research Fellowships including start-up funds
  • Pump Prime awards of up to £50k for novel research projects

In addition the Programme provides support for new academic staff as well as investment in research infrastructure of the highest level, including the Maxwell Centre, which will be the focal point for industrial engagement on the West Cambridge site.

The Programme is supported by the Winton Fund Managers, who in conjunction with the Programme Director and Programme Manager Dr Lata Sahonta are responsible for its planning and implementation.  An International Advisory Board of distinguished scientists in addition advise on the future strategic directions of the Programme.

For further details, please see the Winton Programme Website