Dr. Michael Cates

Professor

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Biography

Michael Cates is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, where he also leads the Soft Matter research group. His research spans a variety of topics within soft matter physics, including the flow of colloids, polymers, emulsions, and gels. He is particularly interested in shear-thickening rheology of dense suspensions and the dynamics of soft glasses. Additionally, he investigates the flow behaviors of liquid crystals and explores general theories of active matter and cellular locomotion. Cates has been awarded multiple accolades throughout his career, including being an International Member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, as well as receiving the Bingham Medal from the Society of Rheology. His notable previous roles include serving as a Royal Society Research Professor and a Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. Cates has also completed a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant for research focused on Active Driven Systems and Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics.

Research Interests

Experience

Lucasian Professor of Mathematics

— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, England

Head of the Soft Matter research group.

Royal Society Research Professor

— Present

Royal Society • United Kingdom

Conducted advanced research in applied mathematics and theoretical physics.

Professor of Natural Philosophy

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, Scotland

Taught and conducted research in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

University Lecturer

— Present

Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge • Cambridge, England

Instructed students in various physics courses and contributed to research.

University Assistant Lecturer

— Present

Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge • Cambridge, England

Assisted in teaching and conducting research activities.

Royal Society University Research Fellow

— Present

Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge • Cambridge, England

Focused on independent research while mentoring graduate students.

Junior Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow

— Present

Trinity College Cambridge • Cambridge, England

Conducted research and taught undergraduates in the field of physics.

Awards

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International Member

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International Member

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Bingham Medal

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Weissenberg Award

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Dirac Medal Prize

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Gold Medal

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Fellow

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Fellow

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Fellow

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Prix Franco-Britannique

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Maxwell Prize Medal

Requirements for University of Cambridge

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
UK Bachelor's Degree with good Upper Second Class Honours or international equivalent Background in international relations, politics, law, economics, security or history is a definite asset
Application Checklist
  • Two academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Research proposal (1-2 pages/500 words)
  • Application fee (£50)
Specialization Notes

Standard postgraduate requirements for Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and related humanities departments.