What if I told you that within these walls, jet engines were born? Welcome to the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. It’s a place where innovation thrives. This isn’t just another university building. This is a crucible of engineering history.
Established in 1875, the Department of Engineering is the largest department in the University of Cambridge. It represents about 10% of the university’s activities. The department started humbly. It began with a wooden hut measuring fifty by twenty feet. This hut served as the first engineering workshop.
Now, fast forward to today. The department boasts several sites around Cambridge. The main buildings stand on Trumpington Street and Fen Causeway. Here, most undergraduate teaching occurs. You will find the Baker Building here. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, opened it on 13 November 1952. Further buildings are located at the West Cambridge site.
The Department of Engineering played a pivotal role in developing the scanning electron microscope. The Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company was the first manufacturer. The department also contributed to the early days of jet engines. This pioneering work spans a huge range of fields.
Meet some notable figures. James Stuart was the first professor of engineering in 1875. Sir Charles Edward Inglis led the department to become the largest in the university. Frank Whittle invented the jet engine. Sir Christopher Sydney Cockerell invented the hovercraft. These are just a few of the brilliant minds that walked these halls.
The department plans to consolidate entirely on the West Cambridge site over the next ten years. This move will create a state-of-the-art home. It allows Cambridge Engineering to take a global lead. It will redefine the discipline.
Are you ready to explore how engineering has changed the world? The Department of Engineering continues to drive revolutions. It fosters sustainability, prosperity, and resilience. The department integrates engineering disciplines. They address major challenges. The Department of Engineering serves as an international hub for engineering excellence. The department shares knowledge. They transfer it to industry. They do this through teaching, collaboration, licensing, and entrepreneurship.
Before we move on, take one last look at the Department of Engineering. Consider the countless innovations conceived here. The department stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It is a place where dreams take flight.