21st April 1997
The Marit and Hans Rausing Charitable Foundation give Cambridge 2.5 Million Pounds
The Marit and Hans Rausing Charitable Foundation has given the University of Cambridge 2.5 million pounds. The Patron of the Foundation, Professor Hans Rausing, has a personal fascination with mathematics, and a particular interest in the study of the universe and theoretical cosmology.
Mathematical research at Cambridge has developed from the great traditions established by Newton, Clerk Maxwell, Babbage and Dirac. Today, it contains one of the world's leading centres for theoretical physics, with Professor Stephen Hawking holding the Lucasian Chair once occupied by Newton. The work on general relativity and cosmology at Cambridge prompted the Foundation to make the benefaction, and the donation will go towards furthering work in this subject area.
The 2.5 million pounds will go towards the building of the proposed new Centre for Mathematical Sciences on Clarkson Road, currently being designed by architect Edward Cullinan. The University plans will help those working in the areas of Cosmology and Theoretical Physics.
The benefaction is warmly welcomed by Professor David Crighton, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, "We are immensely grateful to the Marit and Hans Rausing Charitable Foundation for this very generous donation. Cambridge is the world leader in the study of theoretical cosmology, and this tremendous support will help to strengthen our research and open up immensely exciting opportunities in this field that interests them so much."
Notes for Editors
1. Professor Hans Rausing was born in Sweden in 1926 but has lived in England with his wife, Marit, for 17 years. In 1996, at the age of 70, he left his old company Tetra Laval, where he had been Managing Director for 37 years. A specialist in Russian affairs, he is now busy with private investments in Russia and the Ukraine.
2. The Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics currently shares the site of the Old University Press with the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Plans to relocate the mathematics departments to a new Centre for Mathematical Sciences (next to the new Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences) depend on raising funds from private finance.
For more information, please call:
1. Louise Simpson or Carol Barker, Press and Publications Office, The University of Cambridge. Tel: 01223-332300.
2. Professor Peter Goddard, The Master, St John's College, The University of Cambridge. Tel: 01223-338635 (Master's Lodge).
3. Professor Peter Landshoff, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, The University of Cambridge. Tel: 01223-337880.
4. Mike Smithson, Development Director, Cambridge University. Tel: 01223-333161.