Microsoft Research Cambridge was set up in July 1997 with three researchers. Today over 100 researchers, mostly from Europe, are engaged in computer research at the lab. The city of Cambridge, England, was the clear choice for the location of the facility because of its world-renowned reputation and its rich history as a center of learning. Visit Microsoft Research Cambridge.

Research Areas

Research at the Cambridge facility focuses on the following areas.

Computational Biological Sciences

• Computational Biology
• Computational Ecology and Environmental Sciences
• Natural Computation

Computer-Mediated Living

• Integrated Systems
• Sensors and Devices
• Socio-Digital Systems

Constraint Reasoning

Machine Learning and Perception

• Computer Vision
• Information Retrieval
• Machine Learning

Online Services and Advertising

• Applied Games
• AdCenter Research

Programming, Principles, and Tools

• Security

Systems and Networking

• Distributed Systems
• Networking
• Operating Systems

“Our priority at Microsoft Research Cambridge is technical excellence, using our collective knowledge of mathematic, computer science, computational science, and social science to create an outstanding European research centre. Within this environment we strive to challenge convention and push the boundaries of computer systems theory, technology, and applications. We are in the business of innovation and through both the talent of our researchers and our links with leading academic institutions, governments, and industry partners across the region, we aim to create software technologies that improve the way the world works, plays, and relaxes.”

— Andrew Herbert, Distinguished Engineer and Managing Director, Microsoft Research Cambridge

500,000,000 Years Later, Eating Patterns Persist

Ensuring That Human Values Play a Central Role in Our Digital Future

Microsoft scientists unveil new technology to give early warning of sensitive species

Microsoft Research Cambridge is one of the largest computer science research laboratories in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). With over 100 leading researchers from around the world across various disciplines, we work hard to provide a world-class academic environment that promotes creativity and independent thinking, while providing a challenging and open work environment.

While a proportion of the research projects either contribute to products or become products in their own right, the majority of the work undertaken is longer term “blue sky” pure research. By adopting this approach, researchers can innovate freely in an environment that is not governed by product life cycles and the constraints of project management.

We are always looking for exceptional researchers, post-docs, and interns. For more information about a career at Microsoft Research Cambridge, visit Microsoft Research Careers.

Why I Work for Microsoft Research Cambridge

Antonio Criminisi —Wouldn't it be great to have your best hobby as your everyday job? And what about getting paid for what you really enjoy doing? Wouldn't it be great to do research in areas that could potentially improve the life of less fortunate people? Read more...