Jolly good fellows

Seven researchers from the University of Cambridge have been elected as fellows of the Royal Society, an organisation that promotes science in the UK and counts Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin among its former members. The academics come from across the University, including from the Departments of Computer Science, Plant Sciences, and Medicine. Among those elected is Professor Beverley Glover, director of the Botanic Garden, who said she was “absolutely thrilled” to have been chosen. New fellows are nominated each year by existing members and selected by subject-specific committees. Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said the new fellows’ contributions to their disciplines “reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour”.

Corpus issues climbing caution

Corpus Christi students have been warned of “un-authorised individuals” climbing on college buildings. In an email, porters said they “were aware” of people climbing on the rooves of the College’s Benet and Beldham accommodation blocks. They added: “It is proving impossible to prevent them from entering these areas given their climbing skills and willingness to risk their own safety.” One student reported seeing “15-16 year old boys” climbing while they were sitting at their desk. Another told Varsity they found the situation “a little worrying”. Those in the area have been asked to be “vigilant”.

Clare Hall offers climate cash

A new €200,000 prize for environmental research will be awarded at a ceremony on 10 June at the Cambridge Union. Established by Clare Hall, alongside Finland’s LUT University, the Global Climate Research Prize aims to be “a globally respected forum where leading researchers, thinkers, and policymakers come together to advance solutions to climate change,” according to Professor Alan Short, President of Clare Hall. Four groups of researchers have been shortlisted for the prize. Among the projects are a network to monitor greenhouse gas emissions – both by satellite and from the ground – and research on the possibility of storing floodwater to be reused during droughts.

WOW!

The public will be able to visit science venues across Cambridge from 11 to 19 June, as part of Cambridge Wide Open Week. The annual festival aims to make STEM more accessible to local residents and schoolchildren. The University’s vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice will be among those speaking, as well as Provost of King’s College Gillian Tett. Venues that will be open to the public include Cambridge Science Park, the Biomedical Campus, and St John’s Innovation Centre. For the first time, the initiative will expand beyond Cambridge, with “wide open weeks” also taking place in Oxford and London.