Membership at Meridian

Be transported to the intellectual salons of the Enlightenment era, reimagined for the 21st century. Our community embodies the spirit of those legendary gatherings as Cambridge’s hub for exceptional people and projects.

About Meridian Membership

Meridian welcomes individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in one of our focus areas. Many of our members are either working directly on one of our focus areas, or participate in a Meridian programme. However, membership is open to anyone who can contribute to the community. In general, we're looking for individuals who possess:

  • A curiosity about the world's most pressing challenges, including AI safety biosecurity, global health and development, and other impactful cause areas.

  • A commitment to evidence-based approaches in the pursuit of positive change.

  • A track record of transforming ideas into tangible projects and initiatives.

  • A consideration for the long-term implications of their actions and a desire to create lasting impact.

Meridian members enjoy a range of benefits, including access to a community of like-minded individuals passionate about making a positive impact; invitations to exclusive events, workshops, and discussions; and 24/7 access to our co-working spaces and facilities in Central Cambridge.

FAQs

  • Meridian welcomes individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in one of our focus areas. Many of our members are either working directly on one of our focus areas, or are in one of our programmes. However, membership is open to anyone who can contribute to the community.

  • Maskelyne Membership

    Best for: Those planning to use Meridian as their primary co-working space

    Eligibility:

    • Actively working at an organization aligned with our focus areas

    • Conducting research aligned with our focus areas

    • Typically, have at least one year of full-time experience in a relevant project or organization

    Flamsteed Membership

    Best for:

    • Students

    • Those involved in Meridian projects

    • Professionals with less than 1 year of experience in our focus areas

    • Individuals interested in our cause areas

    Visiting Member

    Best for: Short-term visitors (less than 1 month)

    Ideal for:

    • Individuals visiting Cambridge for a short period

    • Those collaborating with or visiting Meridian

    • People seeking inspiration for projects in our focus areas

    If you are unsure about which membership to apply for, we recommend applying for Flamsteed Membership.

  • Meridian members enjoy a range of benefits, including:

    • Access to a community of like-minded individuals passionate about making a positive impact.

    • Invitations to exclusive events, workshops, and discussions.

    • Access to our co-working spaces and facilities.

  • Meridian reevaluates memberships every 6 months. During the reevaluation process, members may be asked to reapply for their current tier or consider transitioning to a different tier that better suits their engagement and contributions to the community.

    Please note that Meridian reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership at any time for any reason.

  • Involvement in a Meridian Project does not automatically grant membership. Membership is a separate process with its own set of benefits and expectations.

    If you are involved in a Meridian project and are interested in becoming a member, we encourage you to apply for Flamsteed Membership.

  • We aim to make decisions on applications within two weeks of receiving them.

    In addition to the written application, you may be asked to attend a brief interview.

  • Meridian is located at 53, 54 Sidney Street. We're nestled right in the heart of Cambridge, in between Town & Gown and Real Eating Co.

  • Thanks to a generous grant from Open Philanthropy, membership at Meridian is currently free of charge. We believe that financial barriers should not prevent passionate individuals from accessing the resources and support they need to make a positive impact in the world.

  • Wondering about our membership names? They serve as a reference to Cambridge's scientific heritage. A meridian is an imaginary line running from the North to South Pole - essential for calculating longitude and navigation. Two Cambridge graduates, Nevil Maskelyne and John Flamsteed, became Astronomers Royal and helped solve one of history's greatest navigation puzzles: determining precise longitude at sea.

    Just as the Prime Meridian at Greenwich serves as the world's central reference line, we aim to be Cambridge's hub for exceptional talent and projects.