Cambridge in America

“We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.” - Alan Turing

Happy Birthday to Alan Turing (King's College, Cambridge 1931), one of the most influential figures in modern science and technology.

A mathematician, codebreaker, and pioneer of computer science, Turing studied mathematics at King’s College, Cambridge before earning his PhD at Princeton University. During the Second World War, he played a vital role at Bletchley Park, helping to decipher German military communications and contributing to the Allied victory.

His remarkable life inspired the award-winning 2014 film “The Imitation Game,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

To learn more about Alan Turing and his connection to King’s College, visit
https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/alan-mathison-turing-1912-54

Summer Babies!

From groundbreaking scientists and celebrated authors to world leaders and cultural icons, the University of Cambridge has shaped generations of remarkable people.

Check out our collection of famous Cambridge alumni born during the summer months of June, July, and August, celebrating their lives, achievements, and lasting impact on the world:

https://cambridge-in-america.shorthandstories.com/birthdays/

Join Cambridge in America in Aspen during the Aspen Ideas Festival, which brings brilliant leaders and thinkers from around the globe to discuss the ideas that will shape tomorrow and help us understand today.

Whether you're attending the Festival or live in the area, we invite you to an evening of drinks, canapés, conversation, and connection with fellow Cambridge alumni and friends.

Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:00–8:00pm MDT
MOLLIE Aspen

Reconnect with old friends, expand your network, and celebrate the Cambridge community in one of Colorado’s most beautiful settings.

Learn more and register today at https://www.cantab.org/events/aspen-co-cambridge-alumni-reception-in-aspen

Happy Pride Month from Cambridge in America!

This month, we recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ alumni who are making a difference in their communities, professions, and fields of study. Their stories reflect the diversity, talent, and global impact of the Cambridge community.

Explore LGBTQ+ news, research, and stories from the University of Cambridge:
https://www.cam.ac.uk/taxonomy/subjects/lgbt

On May 29, the University of Cambridge hosted “The United States of America at 250: Reflections on the past, present, and future of independence” at the Ray Dolby Centre. The event brought together academics, journalists, artists, and public figures to examine the origins, legacies, and continuing significance of one of the world's most influential political documents as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The United States Ambassador to the UK, Warren A. Stephens, attended the event during a visit to Cambridge, where he met with Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice and delivered opening remarks.

The occasion also marked the launch of the Centre for the United States of America at Cambridge (CUSAC), a new interdisciplinary initiative that will serve as Cambridge's intellectual home for research and teaching about the United States.

Read the remarks by the Ambassador here:
https://uk.usembassy.gov/ambassador-stephens-remarks-at-cambridge-university/

See the photos from “The United States of America at 250” here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cambridgealumni/albums/72177720333967081/

Explore the visit by the Ambassador here:
https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/us-ambassador-visits-cambridge-as-university-launches-new-centre-for-the-study-of-america

The widespread use of drugs like Ozempic is giving scientists a clearer picture than ever of their effects.

Marie Spreckley, a researcher at the University of Cambridge studying these medications, said some patients have said they feel emotionally flatter without the delight they once found in food, and less connected to the social element of eating. She said that those experiences warrant further research. Other people have said their personality felt duller on the medications, or that they felt more lethargic.

Read the The New York Times article on the latest developments in weight-loss drugs:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/08/well/glp1-drugs-weight-loss.html

Photo Credit: The New York Times

“If you want to understand the United States, go to Cambridge” - Chris Smith

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the University of Cambridge is launching a major new initiative on May 29 focused on understanding America’s history, politics, culture, and global influence.

Chris Smith, Chancellor of the University, has written in the Guardian about the importance of studying the United States at a moment of profound political and cultural change. In his article, Smith notes that while America continues to shape the modern world, it is also a country that many outside observers struggle to fully understand.

To help address that, Cambridge is establishing the Centre for the United States at Cambridge (CUSAC), a new interdisciplinary hub that will bring together scholars and students examining every aspect of American life, from democracy and law to technology, media, race, foreign policy, and culture.

Read the article here:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/want-understand-united-states-cambridge-070000447.html

Read about the CUSAC launch on May 29 here:
https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/story/the-united-states-of-america-at-250

Join us for Cambridge Conversations, a virtual event series from the University of Cambridge that brings together leading academics and alumni to explore ideas shaping our world today. These online discussions offer the chance to hear directly from Cambridge experts working at the forefront of research and innovation.

The first event, “How AI is Transforming Cultural Heritage Research,” takes place on Wednesday, June 10. The discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for preserving cultural heritage, analyzing historical materials, and expanding access to knowledge from the past. Register today: https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-conversations/how-ai-is-transforming-cultural-heritage-research

The series continues on Wednesday, July 8 with “Digital Humanities: Transforming How We Understand the World.” This event will highlight how digital technologies are helping scholars study culture, literature, history, and society in entirely new ways. Reserve your place here: https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-conversations/digital-humanities-transforming-how-we-understand-the-world

Happy Birthday to Sir David Attenborough (Clare College 1945), who turns 100 today!

Broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author Sir David Attenborough was born in London on May 8, 1926. David Attenborough’s interest in nature developed during his childhood. In 1945, he matriculated at Clare College to study Natural Sciences, and has since recalled a ‘wonderful feeling of opening new windows’ as he fostered his deep love of geology and zoology at Cambridge.

After graduating, Attenborough joined the BBC where he proved a skilled producer. Promoted to Controller of BBC2 in 1965, he commissioned pioneering programmes like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, before stepping down in 1972 to develop his own series, “Life on Earth.” This groundbreaking television marked the beginning of the peerless “Life” series, showcasing the natural world in all its intricacy, variety and splendour.

By the 2000s, Attenborough’s passion for nature and consummate skill as a communicator allowed him to raise public awareness of biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change. His unparalleled contribution to conservation has been recognized around the world. The Cambridge Conservation Initiative campus bears his name, and he has supported the Initiative since its founding. To learn more and watch a message from Sir David, visit https://www.cambridgeconservation.org/about/our-patron/