Needham Research Institute

The Needham Research Institute stands on the grounds of Robinson College in Cambridge. It is a centre for research into the history of science, technology and medicine in East Asia. The institute is named after Joseph Needham, who began the Science and Civilisation in China series. Its current director is Mei Jianjun, an archaeo-metallurgist. The organisation started in 1968 as the East Asian History of Science Trust. The institute grew from Needham’s own research collection, once housed in Gonville and Caius College. After several moves, it settled in a purpose-built Chinese-style building at Robinson College in 1991. The architect called it “East Anglian Asian.” The building reflects the institute’s focus on East Asian scholarship. Inside, visitors find a research library and archives devoted to East Asian science. The collection includes Needham’s original papers and artefacts. The surroundings blend Cambridge college architecture with Chinese design details.