Newman Students Meet Nobel Prize Winner

17 students from Cardinal Newman College were given the opportunity to quiz one of the world’s most influential scientists at the University of Cambridge in September.

Professor Sir John Walker, a Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997 for studying how a spinning enzyme creates the molecule that powers cells in muscles. Professor Walker studied at Oxford University but joined the University of Cambridge in 1974 and is currently a group leader at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit which conducts pioneering research into human diseases.

Professor Walker volunteered to speak as part of the University of Cambridge’s HE+ project. Cardinal Newman is one of Cambridge University’s fifteen HE+ Institutions, which aims to engage the best students in a sustained year-long programme, which includes academic extension classes, subject masterclasses, information and guidance session and visits to the University.

HE+ is designed to stretch and inspire the UK’s most academically-able students, encouraging and preparing them to make competitive applications to top universities.

Co-hosted by two Colleges at Cambridge, Sidney Sussex and St John’s, the group were part of a larger cohort of 62 students from Cardinal Newman who enjoyed a two day residential trip speaking to lecturers, admissions tutors and students about the subjects which they are considering studying at university.

After the event, Dan Taylor, Director of Gifted & Talented Students at Cardinal Newman College, and HE+ co-ordinator for Lancashire, said: “The students were very honoured to have such a famous scientist launch their HE+ visit to Cambridge and felt deeply encouraged that someone from such an ordinary background could reach such extraordinary heights. I really believe the HE+ scheme equips students with the skills and self-belief to aspire to greatness and apply to our most prestigious academic institutions.”