Editors’ message
What does a big idea look like? Throughout these pages, you’ll meet members of St John’s asking questions that, not long ago, might have sounded like science fiction, or simply wishful thinking.
Sometimes it’s a breakthrough that could change lives. Sometimes it’s an invention that sounds impossible until someone builds it.
This edition of The Eagle is filled with big ideas in all their forms. You’ll meet the engineer helping to turn jet suits from science fiction into reality; researchers offering fresh hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and creating “brain twins” unlocked by new understanding of the human mind; and Fellow Sofia Nivarti reflecting on the architecture that continues to shape our world. We celebrate the creativity of our students, including the undergraduate behind this year’s University Fashion Show, alongside the stories of Johnians making their mark across every discipline.
That same spirit can be seen across the College itself. From the replacement of the Chapel organ to the transformation of River Court, this has been a year of investing not only in our historic home, but in the places that will nurture future generations of thinkers, creators and leaders.
St John’s has always been a place where big ideas are encouraged to flourish. Some emerge from laboratories, some from lecture rooms, some from chats after a concert in Chapel or walking back from the Playing Fields. Others take shape in the careful stewardship of a College that has fostered curiosity for more than 500 years.
We hope this year’s issue reminds you why St John’s continues to be the Home of Big Ideas – and why its greatest ideas could still be to come.
As always, we are very grateful to all the alumni, Fellows, students, and staff who have contributed to this issue. If you are interested in submitting an article, or if you have an inquiry or feedback on the College’s annual record, please email development@joh.cam.ac.uk or write to The Eagle, Development Office, St John’s College, Cambridge CB2 1TP.
You can read previous issues of The Eagle and share the publication online at https://johnian.joh.cam.ac.uk/publications/the-eagle.
Editor: Alex Spencer
With special thanks to Miranda Byers
