Isaac Newton Institute

The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences stands on the Cambridge Centre for Mathematical Sciences campus. It occupies a purpose-built building provided by St John’s College after the college won a national competition. The institute was opened in 1992 with early support from Trinity College and the London Mathematical Society. It is formally part of the University of Cambridge yet receives funding from five UK Research Councils. About 55 per cent of its activity is supported by these councils, with additional help from philanthropic individuals and trusts. The institute is recognised for world-class achievement, having received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 1999. It hosts two or three research programmes at any time, each lasting between four weeks and six months. Programmes are chosen solely on scientific merit by a steering committee of mathematicians. During active periods, courses and workshops are held for attendees. A virtual programme on pandemic modelling ran from April to September 2020 in response to urgent need. The institute has been led by notable directors including Sir Michael Atiyah from 1991 to 1996 and Ulrike Tillmann from 2021. The building sits within a site shared with other Cambridge mathematics departments. Visitors will find a quiet academic atmosphere focused on advanced research. The surroundings include landscaped areas provided by St John’s College. The institute remains a key part of the UK’s mathematical research infrastructure.