Editors’ message
It has been an absolute joy to join the College as the new Alumni Publications Officer, which includes taking over editorship of The Eagle. I already knew of the College’s reputation for excellence when I applied for the role earlier this year, but it has been inspiring and fascinating to make a start on getting to know our academics, students, and some members of the large alumni community.
In this edition of The Eagle, we hear from a recent graduate who has joined a Formula One team as an engineer, a postgraduate student researching the effects on memory for people who don’t have a ‘mind’s eye’, and an undergraduate whose work on access has seen her launch a website to help brilliant students from all backgrounds. Meanwhile, College Fellow Mete Atatüre, Professor of Physics and the Head of the Cavendish Laboratory, presents his thoughts on the impact of a century of quantum mechanics; and Research Fellow Dr Rebecca Shercliff discusses the Southampton Psalter, a medieval Irish psalm book which dates to around AD 1000, making it the oldest manuscript held in the College Library.
As we celebrate the Bicentenary of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, it has seemed fitting that St John’s rowers successfully defended their top spot in this year’s May Bumps and were crowned Head of the River for the second year in a row. And the College is more than halfway towards its goal of raising £750,000 to renovate the boathouse.
St John’s has seen some major projects begin this year, including the removal and replacement of the Chapel organ, which will be completed in May 2026. Work also started over the summer on the first large-scale landscaping project to take place at the College for more than 70 years.
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.
Read more about this year in The Eagle 2025 online with Calameo or download the issue via the links below.
Editor: Alex Spencer
With special thanks to Miranda Byers
