Chadwick

Colour photograph of the apparatus used in Chadwick's neutron experiment

How do you detect something that doesn’t interact with light? 💡
In 1932, James Chadwick answered that question—discovering the #neutron and reshaping physics. PhD student Ella Wood tells the story in this video: buff.ly/kTNWgok #CambridgePhysics150

Model of Cockcroft and Walton's laboratory in Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge

John Cockcroft, Rutherford and Ernest Walton

Just one week after the neutron was discovered, two pioneering minds at the Cavendish Laboratory, John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton, became the first to split an atom using a man-made particle accelerator and ushering in the era of subatomic physics. buff.ly/sdyt47n #CambridgePhysics150

students looking at research posters

audience listening to a talk in an auditorium

students gathering around research posters

Our fourth-year students are showcasing their research at the first-ever Part III Projects Conference at the Ray Dolby Centre today. This event kicks off our Cavendish Science Festival, running until Friday, and concludes our 150th anniversary celebrations! #CambridgePhysics150

Dagmar Dolby, along with other distinguished guests, inaugurating the Ray Dolby Centre during the opening event.

150th anniversary Staff event

150th anniversary alumni event

Opening of the Cavendish Museum

We turn 151 today! 🎉 What a remarkable 150th anniversary year it’s been. From welcoming our alumni back to Cambridge, to the official opening of the Ray Dolby Centre and the launch of the Cavendish Museum, it's been a remarkable year. #CambridgePhysics150

Rutherford with his atomic disintegration apparatus

In 1911, Rutherford changed science forever. 💡 Ella Wood explores how Rutherford and his model of the atom (1911) has revolutionised our understanding of the atom and opened the door to modern nuclear physics. Watch the video: buff.ly/Z4c5tXo
#CambridgePhysics150

Attendees enjoying the museum exhibits.

Prof. Mete Atatüre, Head of Department, giving the inaugural speech. To his left is Dr. Harry Cliff, curator and particle physicist. To his right are Sam Stokes, Departmental Administrator, and Emeritus Prof. Malcolm Longair, CBE, FRS, FRSE.

🎉 The new Cavendish Museum at the Ray Dolby Centre was officially inaugurated earlier this Tuesday! 🎶 A highlight of the evening was a live performance of early 20th-century songs once sung by Cavendish students. 📺 Watch the performance here. buff.ly/ZyXEYI5 #CambridgePhysics150 #Cavendish150Years

Study Aids & Accessibility

Studying at Rayleigh Library is comfortable. They’ve got book rests, laptop stands, overlays, whiteboards, ergonomic kit, spare chargers and more to help you focus and stay comfortable. Just ask if you need anything — the staff are happy to help. #CambridgePhysics150 #StudyAids

Wellbeing books and other resources in the Rayleigh Library

Rayleigh Library is more than a library. It offers NHS-recommended books on anxiety, stress, identity, neurodiversity, and more. Plus, they’ve got puzzles, colouring, and origami to help you take a mindful break—especially during exam time. #CambridgePhysics150 #WellBeingResource

Rayleigh Library

Rayleigh Library

Students studying in the Rayleigh Library

In this four-post series we will explore about Ray Dolby Centre’s very own Rayleigh Library. Rayleigh Library is a quiet, welcoming space with helpful staff, modern facilities, and access for all during building hours. #CambridgePhysics150 #RayDolbyCentre #RayleighLibrary

Image 1: The image is from the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm. It shows a copy of the original key, which is kept at Kapitsa’s laboratory in Moscow.

Image 2: Information about the key on display at the museum.

Image 3: Mond Building

Kapitza was at the Cavendish Laboratory in the 1920s and 1930s. The origins of the nickname 'crocodile' has several theories, including imaginative ones. Kapitsa himself offered one explanation, which can be seen in the museum’s display. #CambridgePhysics150

Cavendish Laboratory has shaped our understanding of the universe for 150 years. We will continue this legacy in the new Ray Dolby Centre.
It is a privilege to be leading the Cavendish Lab at such a monumental time!
#UniversityOfCambridge #RayDolbyCentre
#CambridgePhysics150
youtu.be/I4oNPRij_ww?...

🌟 As part of 2024 Cavendish Photo competition Erika Causa submitted a video that captures the fascinating side view of #cilia beating in human airway cells. These tiny, hair-like structures work together to move mucus and clear out dust and germs — a vital defence for our lungs. #CambridgePhysics150

Image 1: Katharine Burr Blodgett (1898 – 1979) demonstrating equipment in the laboratory © Wikimedia commons

Image 2: The approval of Blodgett’s PhD dissertation by the Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry. ©University Library Archives

Celebrating Katharine Burr Blodgett, the first woman to earn a PhD in Physics at Cavendish in 1926. Her pioneering work on 'invisible glass' transformed optical technologies across various industries. Read more here: buff.ly/Bv6Ccek
#CambridgePhysics150

Arial view of Cambridge

Old Cavendish Laboratory

Voice Map QR code for the tour

Begin the audio tour at Newton’s Apple Tree and explore key sites with Cambridge physicists as your guides. Discover groundbreaking discoveries and explore pioneering research that is driving the future of physics. Access the tour on VoiceMap app: buff.ly/7Nv8be3
#CambridgePhysics150

Arial view of Cambridge

Old Cavendish Laboratory

Voice Map QR code for the tour

🚀 Out Now: New Cambridge Physics Audio Tour! 🎧🚶‍♂️
As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations we invite you to step into the footsteps of legendary physicists with our brand-new 75-minute audio walking tour!
Get the free tour on the VoiceMap app: buff.ly/Y3eewD0
#CambridgePhysics150

Just three of the many books Cook wrote, found in the Rayleigh Library

Sir Alan Hugh Cook FRS 1922-2004

During his time at the Cavendish Laboratory , Sir Alan Cook focused on the fields of gravity, masers (microwave radiation equivalent of lasers) and their application in Geophysics and Astronomy.
📖 Read more : buff.ly/DtqGNLX
#CambridgePhysics150 #150CavendishStories

Just three of the many books Cook wrote, found in the Rayleigh Library

Sir Alan Hugh Cook FRS 1922-2004

🔬 Celebrating Sir Alan Cook’s recipe for precision🎯
As part of our #CambridgePhysics150 celebrations, we highlight the achievements of Sir Alan Hugh Cook FRS, former Head of the Cavendish.
📖 Read more about his pioneering work: buff.ly/vf4jhc8
#Metrology

Image 1: Portrait of Maxwell (1870's)

Image 2: Maxwell's model of Saturn's rings (1857)

📢 #TheUnknownMaxwell
28 Mar 2025 | 09:00 – 17:30 | Cambridge University Engineering Department
Cambridge Philosophical Society will be hosting a one-day event exploring the many groundbreaking contributions of James Clerk Maxwell. buff.ly/6qbajny
#CambridgePhysics150

Image 1: Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin. From Cavendish archive

Image 2: Dorothy Hodgin Crowfoot’s molecular model of Penicillin. © Wikimedia commons

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964, the third woman to do so, and remains the only British woman to have won a Nobel in science. 💫🧑‍🔬
#IWD2025 #CambridgePhysics150 #150CavendishStories

1) Elisabeth Kara-Michailov at her desk in Vienna credit: Rincón Educativo (Foro Nuclear)

2) Elisabeth Kara-Michailova appears in Cavendish Research student photos (1936-1938.) She can be seen on the far right in the second row, sat behind Ann Horton, and surrounded by other distinguished scientists. She is the only woman to be referred to by the title ‘Dr’ in research student photos.

Professor Elisabeth Kara-Michailova became the first Bulgarian woman to hold the title of professor. Her pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the development of atomic physics in Bulgaria. buff.ly/s94ZEf4
#IWD2025 #CambridgePhysics150 #150CavendishStories

1️⃣Mrs. Horton demonstrating to A.B. Pippard in a Part II practical class (c.1940) [Cavendish Laboratory archive]

2️⃣Ann Davies appears in the Cavendish Research student photos from 1931. She can be seen here in 1933 on the far right in the front row, surrounded by other distinguished scientists including Blackett, Kapitza, Rutherford,JJ. Thomson,Chadwick, Oliphant to point out a few!

3️⃣Mrs Horton demonstrating a Part II experiment. [Cavendish Laboratory archive]

Women in the Cavendish International Women's Day Countdown: 7 days! #IWD2025
Spotlight: Ann Horton (née Davies) [1894-1967]🌠
#IWD2025 #CambridgePhysics150 #150CavendishStories
Read more about Dr Horton in this Nature article: buff.ly/4hZFEmu