First, bring together famous teachers with super academic strength.
Since the founding of Cambridge University, there have been many masters in various fields, including the poet Byron and the philosopher Russell.
In the past century, Cambridge University has won 89 Nobel Prizes, 76 of which are in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology or medicine.
Such an environment where masters gather is very attractive to young people who are interested in scientific research. Because if you want to communicate with world-class masters, they are not thousands of miles away, but in a nearby laboratory.
Hawking canceled the interview he had promised to reporters because of his physical discomfort, but he said in an email from his assistant that he came to Cambridge because he wanted to study for a doctorate in astronomy. "There was Fred Hoyle in Cambridge, and he was the most famous astronomer in Britain at that time." It can be seen that the master himself is a magnet to attract talents, and Cambridge has formed a virtuous circle in talent resources.
Second, the environment for scientific research and education is free and pleasant.
Shi Yongjiang, a China scholar who came to Cambridge from China and is now the research director of the International Manufacturing Center of Cambridge University, is deeply touched by this. He said that doing research in Cambridge is rarely disturbed, and what fields to study and what academic conferences to hold are all possible in principle.
On the other hand, Cambridge also has an educational environment for young people to grow into scientists. The president of Cambridge China Student Union often said that studying in Cambridge has many advantages, two of which are related to people. First, it is convenient to communicate with masters, like Newton's famous saying, "standing on the shoulders of giants."
Another great benefit comes from the free interaction between students. Cambridge attracts outstanding students from all over the world, and the knowledge sparks generated by students from different backgrounds in the world can be as effective as studying in a laboratory or classroom.
Third, people-oriented technology.
In Cambridge, the phrase "people-oriented technology" can be used not only in scientific research itself, but also at a higher level, that is, giving back to society with scientific research results. For decades, researchers from Cambridge University have established more than 1000 scientific and technological enterprises in Cambridge, which not only increased social wealth, but also provided a large number of employment opportunities.
Cambridge has a mission of "contributing to society" for itself. Schools advocate this spirit to students and researchers, and society should benefit from it if there are achievements. Of course, it would be better if they could get economic returns in the end.
Cambridge Science Park was established by Trinity College of Cambridge University in 1970s. It is the earliest science and technology park in Britain. At present, there are more than 100 companies and more than 5000 employees working here. It is the most prestigious science and technology park in Britain.
Rory Landman, who is in charge of the science and technology park at Trinity College, said that many people want to learn from the successful experience of the science and technology park, but they often focus on the park itself or its infrastructure. In fact, the most important factor is the interaction between people and researchers and the business community.
Looking back on all aspects of Cambridge University, this people-oriented spirit is everywhere. Perhaps this is the way to make this "cradle of scientists" last forever.