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The 41st Master of Trinity Sir David Baulcombe arrived for his installation ceremony on a Brompton bike at Great Gate, overlooked by the College’s founder Henry VIII.
In a tradition dating back centuries, Sir David presented the letters patent signed by His Majesty King Charles III appointing him Master – 480 years after the College was established as ‘the Holy and Undivided Trinity.’
On the cobbles beneath Great Gate, dozens of students, staff, well-wishers and a brass band welcomed the Master Elect before the tradition began.
Sir David knocked loudly three times with a cobble on the wicket gate, which was opened by the Head Porter Ryan Carter, who said: ‘Who are you Sir?’
‘I am Sir David Baulcombe, the appointed Master of Trinity College,’ the Master Elect replied.
After the Vice-Master Professor Louise Merrett inspected the letters patent, Great Gate was opened to the assembled Fellows, dressed in their black and scarlet regalia, ready to doff their velvet cap or bonnet.
‘Master, we welcome you,’ said Professor Merrett.
The Head Porter, Master and Vice-Master processed to the Chapel, with Fellows turning to follow. In the service that followed Sir David took his place in the Master’s stall and a Te Deum commissioned from Huw Watkins was sung.
About Sir David Baulcombe FRS FMedSci
Sir David is the Regius Professor of Botany Emeritus at Cambridge and has been a Fellow of Trinity since 2009. His research into plant genetics has not only benefitted crop science but also led to a new class of treatment for human diseases that affect thousands of people worldwide.
In 2009 David was made a Knight Bachelor for his contributions to plant science and genetics. In addition to the Lasker and Wolf Prize Sir David has received numerous awards for his research. These include the Sir Hans Krebs Medal (2021), Mendel Medal of the Genetics Society (2017), the Prize Medal Lecture (2015) of the Society for General Microbiology, the Gruber Genetics Prize (2014), the Balzan Prize for Epigenetics (2012), and the Royal Medal of the Royal Society (2006.)
David Baulcombe studied Botany at the University of Leeds before shifting to molecular biology and genetics. He received his PhD for research on messenger RNA in vascular plants at the University of Edinburgh.
About the Mastership of Trinity College Cambridge
The Mastership is a Crown appointment for up to eight years, made by the Monarch on the recommendation of the College.
The Master is responsible for superintending the running of Trinity, and chairs meetings of the College Council, the de facto governing body. The executive powers of the office, however, are limited; the entire Fellowship has a say in important decisions, including the election of the Master.
Photos: Trinity College/Panos Pictures.