Kavli Prize goes to Cambridge researchers

Two researchers at the University of Cambridge have been awarded one of ten Kavli Prizes. Presented by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, it is one of the largest scientific awards in the world, with $1 million being shared between the winners in each field. Vasily Belokurov, a researcher at the Cambridge Institute of Astronomy, won the prize in Astrophysics, alongside Amina Helmi from the University of Groningen and Rodrigo Ibata from the University of Strasbourg. Christine Holt, Professor Emerita in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and a fellow of Gonville and Caius College, was awarded the prize in the Neuroscience category.

Disagreements continue over Mill Road development

Cambridge residents have been invited by Cambridgeshire County Council to share feedback on improvements to Mill Road. The architecture firm 5th Studio has been asked to run local events, largely drop-in sessions between late June and July, and gather input on what is needed to improve the street. Councillor Beckett, chair of the council’s Highways and Transport Committee, called Mill Road: “one of the most special streets in Cambridge.” The council has said £40,000 in funding had been agreed for short-term changes, which Beckett described as “a real chance to create something amazing for the whole community.”

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor to be grilled at Question Time

On 25 June, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, is participating in a mayoral Question Time, hosted by editor of the Cambridge Independent, Paul Brackley. The topics are expected to cover many key issues for Cambridge residents, such as housing and public transport. Bristow says of the event: “it’s important to me to get in front of people, hear what’s on their minds, and be asked about my record and priorities.” The deadline for submitting questions is on the 22 June, and the forum is open to all residents and local businesses. This comes after a round of local elections, in which the local authority fell into no overall control.

University Archaeology Unit find Cambourne Iron Age settlement

An excavation in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, has revealed an Iron Age settlement likely used to rear and maintain livestock, following the work of archaeologists at the University. The team looked at a five-hectare area, finding 150 separate archaeological features. Fragmentary remains also suggest that cooking occurred, with evidence of animal bones and burnt stones being found. The discovery also included over 780 pieces of Roman pottery. The director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit, Dr Matthew Brudenell, said the findings have “incredible potential to tell us more about how the land was managed,” including the use of irrigation systems.