Background
The Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for research into stem cell biology and medicine.
Scientists in the Institute collaborate to generate new knowledge and understanding of the biology of stem cells and provide the foundation for new medical treatments. The Institute is supported by a strategic funding partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council.
For the past three years, as part of the Cambridge Science Festival, it has held public lectures about the Stem Cell Institute’s research at Murray Edwards College, using Buckingham House for the events which are usually attended by 80-120 members of the general public.
Client Brief
Philippa Russell, Public Engagement Officer from the Institute said: “The size of the auditorium and the quality of the AV were important drivers to us, both in terms of accommodating the size of audience we usually attract and being able to show detailed, fluorescent scientific images which required a good level of AV support to make sure they are visible.
“The Buckingham House Lecture Theatre is a very professional space. It is well lit which allows for good visibility of all the panellists and there’s lots of flexibility with the stage layout and sound set-up.
Client Feedback
“Our events went very well. Katie Ackermann and Lorraine Wales from the Events team met with me beforehand and listened to all our requirements and on the day everything was as we had discussed, with no fuss at all!
“Lorraine particularly stood out for being committed to delivering a great service both in preparing the event and during it – relaxed and friendly but professional.
“I was particularly impressed by the team’s ability to listen to requests and then go out of their way to accommodate them. In addition to using Murray Edwards for these public lectures, other colleagues also use the venue for their own events through the year.”
Wellcome Trust used Buckingham House Conference Centre for this event, a self-contained conference centre with a 146 seat auditorium, flexible syndicate rooms and attractive Foyer.
