Alumni and friends of the Whittle Laboratory celebrate its 50th birthday on 29th June 2024.
On 29th June 2024, the Whittle Laboratory celebrated its 50th birthday. A gathering of over 100 alumni joined current students to hear talks, reminisce and learn about the Lab’s current research and exciting plans for the future.
The day began with a warm welcome from Prof David Cardwell, University Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning. While Head of the Department of Engineering, David oversaw the inception of the New Whittle Laboratory building (currently under construction and due to open in 2026).
Prof Graham Pullan, Whittle Lab Co-Director, then spoke about how the international reputation of the Lab, as an incubator for new ideas and technologies, attracts researchers and industry collaborators from across the world.
Prof Graham Pullan (Whittle Lab Co-Director) spoke about the Whittle Lab as a home for researchers and industry partners to nurture and develop new ideas.
Emeritus Professors Nick Cumpsty and John Young, who were both researchers in the Lab in the early 1970s, gave an insight into Cambridge’s turbomachinery research at that time and the key stepping stones in the Lab’s development over the subsequent decades.
During the afternoon, the audience heard from five speakers, representing each decade of the Whittle Lab, who were either former students, academic collaborators or industry supporters (or sometimes a combination of these!). The five were: Prof Ed Greitzer (MIT), Dr Sunao Aoki (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Dr Albert Demargne (Egide), Dr Sungho Yoon (Samsung) and Dr Masha Folk (Rolls-Royce).
Prof Ed Greitzer (MIT) spoke about his interactions and collaborations with the Whittle Lab over many years.
Dr Masha Folk (Rolls-Royce) told us how the Centre for Doctoral Training had changed the Whittle Lab and created a new generation of research leaders.
Prof Rob Miller (Whittle Lab Co-Director) then showed the exciting plans for the new Whittle Lab building (opening in 2026), including the Bennett Innovation Lab and the National Centre for Propulsion and Power. The new facilities will bring a step-change in capability and have been designed to allow the community ethos of the Whittle Lab to thrive.
Prof Rob Miller introduced the alumni to the new Whittle Lab building, including the Bennett Innovation Laboratory and the National Centre for Propulsion and Power (opening 2026).
Prof Colm Durkan (Head of Department) closed the presentations by thanking the speakers, and all those present, for a thoroughly enjoyable day. He emphasised the key importance of the Whittle Lab’s research to net-zero air travel and energy supply, and challenged the Whittle Lab to remain bold and ambitious for the next 50 years.
Prof Colm Durkan challenged the Whittle Lab to stay at the forefront of aviation and energy research for the next 50 years
As well as the presentations, there was plenty of time for alumni to look around the Labs, meeting current researchers and hearing about the projects they are working on. The day concluded with a wonderful celebration dinner at Magdalene College
It was a fantastic day and a worthy celebration of the Whittle Lab’s half-centenary. Here’s to the next 50 years!