The New Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge was officially opened by His Majesty King Charles III on 20 July 2026, during the Frank Whittle Summit. Dr Christopher Clark, Fellow of Queens’ College and Lecturer in the Whittle Laboratory, was among the faculty who welcomed His Majesty during the visit.
23rd July 2026
The event brought together more than 80 CEOs, CTOs, investors and leading experts from the aerospace, heavy industry and AI sectors to celebrate the launch of the UK’s integrated technology accelerator for propulsion and power.
His Majesty The King (C) visits and officially opens the New Whittle Laboratory. Welcomed by Dr Christopher Clark (L). Photo by Ian Jones.
Dr Clark had the opportunity to guide the King through the laboratory’s work on novel turbines and compressors, showcasing research aimed at transforming the efficiency and sustainability of future propulsion systems and illustrating the Whittle Laboratory’s distinctive approach of rapidly translating cutting-edge engineering research into practical technologies.
Dr Christopher Clark said:
“It was a pleasure to show the pace of innovation we have achieved within the Whittle Laboratory to both his Majesty and the other 80 distinguished guests from across the sector.”
Purpose-built to unite researchers, students, industry partners and entrepreneurs, the new facility combines rapid prototyping, advanced testing and collaborative innovation to dramatically shorten the journey from scientific discovery to real-world application, supporting the development of the next generation of low-carbon aviation and energy technologies.
Alongside Monday’s official opening, the Frank Whittle Summit brought together major industrial businesses and tech giants to reignite Britain’s industrial engine in aerospace, energy and defence, including Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Siemens Energy, along with leading AI firms, senior government officials, and top researchers, to kickstart a series of missions to pioneer new technologies and industries in the UK.
Read the full University of Cambridge article on His Majesty the King’s visit: https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/the-king-officially-opens-cambridges-new-whittle-laboratory
Before we launch into an exciting new academic year, here are a few things that happened over the summer that you might have missed.
28th August 2026
We are delighted to share that Professor Marie Edmonds, FRS, has been appointed as the next Head of the School of the Physical Sciences.
25th August 2026
Returning students and visitors may notice that the raised central area of Cripps Court looks a little different compared to back in June.
27th July 2026
Congratulations to our Postgraduate students who graduated on the 23rd July 2026.
24th July 2026
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