Downing College, Cambridge

Congratulations to Downing alumnus Professor Malcolm Smith (1975) on his election as a Fellow of The Royal Society.

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Professor Smith named Royal Society Fellow Gonville & Caius College Fellow Professor Malcolm Smith has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, in recognition of his distinguished work as Professor of Control Engineering at the University of Cambridge and wider research. Professor Smith, who became a Fellow of Caius in 1990, is one of....

Congratulations to alumnus Jonathan Caplan KC (1969) on the publication of his new book, ‘Not For Disclosure: UFOs The World’s Best-Kept Secret’

Drawing on decades of research, the book explores one of the most intriguing and debated subjects of our time, bringing together testimony and insights from across science, government and intelligence communities.

Wishing Jonathan every success with this fascinating new release!

With seven players and a weekly training session to keep sharp, the Downing women’s badminton team combines commitment with a great team spirit - and this year, it paid off in style with a Cuppers win. 🏸🏆

We caught up with team captain Jackie (Jiaqi) Guo, a PhD student in Engineering, to chat about the season, the team’s journey to victory and why badminton has been such a highlight of her time at Downing: https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/news/game-set-cuppers-meet-downing-s-winning-badminton-captain

🎭 From a Cambridge kitchen to the London stage, Custard Tarts is heading to Riverside Studios this August!

Written by recent grad Alice Harris Deans, this award-recognised play blends q***r history, camp spectacle and sharp humour into something truly special. After a brilliant run in Brighton, the show brings its drag numbers, passive aggression and custard fights to Hammersmith 20–23 August.

We caught up with Alice about the play's origins, life after graduation, and what it takes to carve out a career in theatre. 🥧

Find out more: www.dow.cam.ac.uk/news/sweet-success-alice-roberts-2022-custard-tarts-heads-london

Thinking of applying to university for 2027 entry? 💭
Want to learn more about the Cambridge admissions process and how to strengthen your application, or what studying here is really like or what makes Downing distinctive? 🎓
Why not join us at Downing College’s Undergraduate Open Days on 9 and 10 July (9.30am – 4.30pm).

Throughout the day, there’ll be lots to discover:
- Attend Subject Drop-in Sessions, led by Downing’s academics, from a selection of disciplines.
- Join our Admissions Talk, led by the Director of Admissions, with a welcome from the Master of the College taking place both morning and afternoon each day.
- If you’re curious about Student Life at Downing, chat with current students throughout the day, and they’ll be happy to share their experience. Just look out for the magenta t-shirts!

A full list of academics attending and subject availability will be published on our website during the week of the Open Days: www.dow.cam.ac.uk/widening-participation/open-days

📢 Calling all Year 12s: Join the Downing College Admissions Team for a free online webinar all about the Cambridge admissions process.

✍ Learn how to make a competitive application, from Personal Statement writing to preparing for an Admissions Assessment!

🔗 Explore the full range of webinars on offer this summer and book your place: https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_54G5qnnUpohTOlM

Downing members are invited to join the Master, Professor Graham Virgo KC (Hon), and fellow Downing alumni for an informal reception at our sister College, Lincoln College, Oxford on Thursday 16 July 2026.

This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with the College and celebrate the enduring ties within our community.

Event and booking details available here: www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/alumni-reception-oxford

🏉 CUPPERS PLATE WINNERS 2026 🏆

Congratulations to the Downing Rugby team on securing silverware for the second time this academic year.

Find out more about the team's triumph: www.dow.cam.ac.uk/news/cuppers-success-downing-rugby

Congratulations to alumnus Hugh Mercer KC (1981), who has been appointed as the UK’s Judge on the European Court of Human Rights. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

Based in Strasbourg, the court is responsible for upholding human rights and the rule of law across 46 member states. ⚖

Find out more: www.dow.cam.ac.uk/news/heart-european-justice-hugh-mercer-kc-joins-strasbourg-court

🐾 Downing was delighted to welcome some canine pals to College over the weekend! 🐶

Staff were invited to bring their dogs to a garden party at the Master's Lodge. Our four-legged friends very much enjoyed their day out at College! 🐕

Images: Michelle Stone