News

International group of citizens and scientists creates feasible visions of a resilient, net zero future

As part of COP26, we asked people in six regions to imagine a globally net zero, climate-resilient future. Here’s what they came up with. To create a globally net zero, climate-resilient world by 2050, there are two things we need to know: what solutions are feasible, and what is desirable. The COP26 Futures We Want...

Rapid transition to a net zero world When? Now. How? Like this.

The opportunity to make real and lasting change has never been greater. But we all need to act, and act now. As if it weren’t clear enough, 2021 has given us plenty of reasons to act. Dramatic flooding in the UK, Germany, Uganda and Bangladesh, wildfires in Greece and Australia, extreme heat in the northwest United States...

Solar batteries without the charger? We’re working on that

Professor Michael De Volder tells us how a Friday afternoon experiment led to research on a new low-cost battery design that can be charged directly by light without a separate solar cell or power converter. “One area we have made clear progress in is improving the stability of the batteries as they are charged and...

Countdown to COP26 - University of Cambridge research

Countdown to COP26 What will it take to make the high-stakes climate summit a success?

COP26 - the United Nations climate conference - starts in Glasgow in just a few days. The Office of External Affairs and Communications spoke with some of the University's researchers and asked them what they want to see at COP26, what some of the biggest challenges are in getting to zero carbon, and what gives them hope...

University of Cambridge researchers have identified a key mechanism responsible for the lower efficiencies of organic solar cells and shown a way that this hurdle might be overcome.

Researchers identify and clear efficiency hurdle for organic solar cells

Researchers have identified a key mechanism responsible for the lower efficiencies of organic solar cells and shown a way that this hurdle might be overcome. The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge, identified a loss pathway in organic solar cells which makes them less efficient than silicon-based cells at...

Cambridge researchers elected Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering

Four researchers from the University of Cambridge are among the leading figures in engineering and technology elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professors Holger Babinsky, Andrea Ferrari, Rob Miller and Rachel Oliver have been elected in this year’s intake, which consists of 60 Fellows, four...

European lakes potential hotspots of microplastic pollution

A study this month suggests that human activity and land use in areas surrounding lakes drive significant microplastic pollution in lake water. Researchers, led by Dr Andrew Tanentzap in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences, found that the concentration of microparticles - plastics and fibres - in...

The device combines tiny semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots and gold nanoparticles using molecular glue

Nano ‘camera’ made using molecular glue allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions

Researchers have made a tiny camera, held together with ‘molecular glue’ that allows them to observe chemical reactions in real time. The device, made by a team from the University of Cambridge, combines tiny semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots and gold nanoparticles using molecular glue called cucurbituril (CB...

Four University of Cambridge researchers recognised in the Breakthrough Prize

Four Cambridge researchers recognised in the 2022 Breakthrough Prizes

Four University of Cambridge researchers – Professors Shankar Balasubramanian, David Klenerman, Suchitra Sebastian and Jack Thorne – have been recognised by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation for their outstanding scientific achievements. Prof Suchitra Sebastian (Cavendish Laboratory) and Prof Jack Thorne (Dept of Pure...

Energy researcher who wants to build better to consume less

Against a global backdrop of rising energy demands and finite resources, Rihab Khalid set out to understand how buildings can become more energy efficient. As a result, she now advocates for building and energy policies that consider cultural differences and address the needs of women. When I was first introduced to energy...