Cambridge Launches New Computer Architecture Research Centre

The University of Cambridge has recently established a specialist computer architecture research centre within its renowned computer science department. This new centre is set to focus on advancing the field of computer architecture, a crucial area that underpins today's technologies and drives the development of future computing systems.

Cambridge has a rich history in computer science, being home to the country's first computer science department, which was founded over 80 years ago. The university played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of modern computing, including building the first programmable computer and leading the early development of programming languages and operating systems.

The department has been at the forefront of various technological advancements, ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. It boasts a strong track record of innovation, with over 330 companies established by its staff and alumni, such as lowRISC, dividiti, and Embecosm, all of which are closely linked to the Computer Architecture group.

Prof Timothy Jones, a leading expert in computer architecture, compilers, and binary modification tools, will head the new research centre. His research focuses on extracting parallelism to enhance performance, reliability, and security in computing systems. With a diverse range of expertise in areas like hardware security, machine-learning systems, and quantum computing, the centre aims to nurture the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.

Collaborations with industry giants like ARM and involvement in the UK Government's Digital Security by Design programme underscore the department's commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. The establishment of the Computer Architecture Research Centre signals Cambridge's dedication to pushing the boundaries of computer science and shaping the future of technology.