First thoughts on Park life

Cambridge’s reputation as a unique, dynamic cultivator of innovation was well known to me before I arrived at the Cambridge Science Park. What I didn’t expect was the wave of warmth which welcomed me - matched by the record-breaking heatwave which gripped the UK during my first weeks. People immediately made contact, offering to integrate me into the local ecosystem, to facilitate introductions, to share histories and visions for the future. It was quite remarkable. 

From the many of you I have already met there are clear themes emerging. The first being a deep awareness of the importance of protecting the planet. Almost every conversation I’ve had has involved serious exploration of how to mitigate environmental damage and put sustainability at the centre of the Park’s future and how we come together, as a community, to deliver carbon net zero by 2050. For me this is not just an aspiration. It’s imperative. As home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, we must lead by example so others can learn from our experiences. I plan to be more vocal and transparent about the work we are doing around the Park and looking forward to many more conversations with members about how we can be more collaborative in this area.  

Secondly, there is a clear need to improve the amenities on the Park. Science parks provide the built environments in which innovative businesses thrive. In an age where employees increasingly hold employers to account, creating those places involves not just designing world-class laboratories and offices but, an environment in which people wish to spend time. I’ve been walking round every part of the Park, bumping into all sorts of people, and the message is clear: we need to do more. The good news is that this is not news to the Park team and improving amenities is a key priority for me - we’re already evaluating options.   

Finally, we are a community of some 7,000 working at the leading edge of science and tech, all motivated to make a difference: to cure cancer, to find alternatives to plastic, to enable others to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. The list goes on. Many of you are already actively supporting good causes within your organisations but I’m keen to bring the Park back together as a community – a collective force for good. To play our part as members of the wider Cambridge community - re-establish relationships with local schools and other organisations which were paused during the pandemic. Next week we’ll be announcing the return of the Festive Fun Run (which I understand is quite a sight to behold!) and we’re talking with the Cambridge City Food Bank about how we can support their efforts this winter but, there’s plenty more to come.   

Last week while attending the Innovation Summit organised by Cambridge University, Cambridge Enterprise, and Cambridge Innovation Capital, I was asked a direct question: as a person with no previous links to the city, what made me move here? The answer was simple: not only was the job irresistible, so also was the lure of living in a city with such a vibrant culture, both ancient and modern. I haven’t been disappointed. 

Thank you for making me so welcome and helping me start to integrate myself with this astonishing place.