Gonville & Caius today names four outstanding new Research Fellows, whose work spans the undeciphered signs of Linear B, the first moments after the Big Bang, the complexities of geometry and the role of stone tools in the evolution of our species. The four, chosen from among 431 applicants, have been elected to four-year posts at the College.

The Master of Gonville & Caius, Professor Sir Alan Fersht, warmly welcomed the new Fellows. His statement is below.

I am delighted to announce that we have elected four outstanding Research Fellows, who have already demonstrated exceptional creativity in research, following distinguished academic records.

Ruadhai Dervan, St Johns

Rui is a pure mathematician, who studies geometry, using techniques drawn both from algebra and analysis. He has published major work. His first degree is from Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated top of his year. He then graduated with distinction in Part III of the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos.

Anna Judson, Pembroke

Anna is a classicist who researches the undeciphered signs of Linear B. She is investigating not only the meaning of the signs but also the more general situation of the creation and use of Linear B by Mycenaean scribes. She was twice top of the year in the Classics Tripos.

Will Handley, Caius

Will was awarded junior and senior scholarships at Caius and awarded the physics prize. His research is on cosmology, the first 10^(-32) seconds after the Big Bang. He has devised mathematical tools of general applicability, already being used to analyse the cosmic microwave background.

Manuel Will, Homerton

Manuel is a palaeolithic archaeologist, studying stone tools and bones to understand the cultural and biological evolution of our species. His first degree is from the University of Tuebingen. He spans the sciences and the humanities.