Schlumberger Gould Research Center

Hidden in plain sight on Cambridge’s western edge is the Schlumberger Gould Research Center. It’s a striking “tent building” at High Cross, Madingley Road. A curious blend of futuristic design and practical function, the Schlumberger Gould Research Center doesn’t shout its presence. But its story is deeply intertwined with Cambridge University and the global oil industry. Originally opened in 1982 as the Schlumberger Cambridge Research Centre, it was renamed in 2012. This research hub is managed by Schlumberger Cambridge Research Limited, a UK subsidiary of Schlumberger. The Schlumberger Gould Research Center’s mission, as stated by the company itself, revolves around the search for oil and gas. Their research focuses on identifying and evaluating hydrocarbon reservoirs. They also work on bringing those resources to the surface safely and cost-effectively, minimizing environmental impact. Maximizing the yield from each discovery is another key goal. Inside this unique “tent building,” model oil rigs and specialized departments work tirelessly towards these objectives. Drilling, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and geophysics are just a few areas of expertise housed within the Schlumberger Gould Research Center. The building’s distinctive architecture, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins, is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach. Completed in 1985, the structure features a Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane roof, a first for a major building in the UK at the time. The Schlumberger Gould Research Center’s location within the University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge Site highlights the close relationship between the two institutions. A 70-year lease, signed in 1983, solidifies this connection, allowing Schlumberger to continue its research until at least 2053. This partnership has brought both benefits and controversy. Schlumberger funds PhD scholarships, fellowships, and even a professorship at the university. These initiatives provide a pipeline of engineering talent and lend an air of academic legitimacy to the company’s operations. However, critics argue that these connections are primarily a form of greenwashing, allowing Schlumberger to offset the environmental impact of its core business.