Foundations for the future

The William H Gates Building is home to the University's Computer Laboratory and celebrated its official opening on 1 May 2002.

The West Cambridge site is part of the University's overall strategy for providing modern research and teaching facilities in the 21st century and the opening of this first building marks a significant step in its 10 year development.

Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-Chancellor, is convinced of the importance of the site.

"This is an historic moment in the history of the University of Cambridge," he said. "As well as creating opportunities for scientific advancement, essential for the University to maintain its position as one of the world's top academic institutions, the development is further stimulating commercial research opportunities and enhances Cambridge's position as a major centre for technological research and development. This development is not only important for the University, but also the city of Cambridge.

"You cannot carry out international competitive research without proper investment and the best equipment and facilities. The British science and industrial base depends on the important research work that universities conduct, and we ignore its developments at the whole country's peril."

It was recognised in the 1960s that the University would have to relocate some of its departments out of the city centre if it was to retain its position as a world leading educational establishment.

Departments currently housed in old buildings in the city centre badly need to expand and the West Cambridge site offers them the space to build modern laboratories and other specialist facilities.

The West Cambridge site reinforces the fact that the city of Cambridge and the surrounding area is one of the most exciting technology centres in Europe with the University at its heart.

Director of Research Services, Dr David Secher, said that the success of the Cambridge phenomenon is due to the close relationship between modern technology, entrepreneurship and academic research in the area.

"Cambridge has proved an ideal 'incubator' for this innovation because it has long been a centre of academic excellence, attracting top researchers from across the world.

"We encourage our scientists and technologists to combine scholarly excellence with real-world, practical experience.

"Cambridge has a tradition of high tech research, and keeping our research laboratories absolutely up-to-date remains a top priority. In a number of cases, Cambridge researchers have actually developed the techniques and equipment now used across the UK, and internationally.

"West Cambridge will act as a pioneering centre for research collaboration."

The William H Gates Building was officially opened by Professor Sir Maurice Wilkes whose research in the 1940s underpins modern computer science. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Financial Secretary of the Treasury, The Rt Hon Paul Boateng MP.

Bill Gates sent his best wishes.

"The opening of the Computer Laboratory in West Cambridge on May 1st marks a momentous occasion for the University of Cambridge. While Melinda and I cannot be there in person to congratulate you on the new facility, we are proud to be able to support the relocation and development of this state-of-the-art Computer Laboratory.

"The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s top educational institutions with a long history of cutting edge technological research and development. The Computer Laboratory has played a major role in the development of the computer science field, and with the new building and location, the Lab will continue to have a prominent role. During my visit to the Laboratory in December, I was struck by the high quality of the space and was pleased to note that the design encourages constant interaction between staff and students.

"Please accept my congratulations and extend my best wishes to the computer science staff and students, as well as to the entire University of Cambridge community.

Sincerely,

William H. Gates, III"