"The inauguration of the Institute on 3 July 1992 was the culmination of four years’ preparation.  For a number of years and for a variety of reasons, a need had been felt for the UK to have a national institute in theoretical physics and mathematics.  Efforts had been made outside Cambridge to initiate such a development but little concrete progress had been made.  A crucial advantage which made the founding of an institute in Cambridge seem feasible was the possible availability of “pump-priming” financial support from Cambridge Colleges".

Any previous visitor to the Isaac Newton Institute will be familiar with the 130 square metres of blackboards spread across the seminar rooms, shared workspaces, offices, lift interior and even the ground floor toilets. But how much use do these iconic fixtures see from the programme and workshop participants? The answer is: a very great deal. From September 2017 to June 2018 Institute staff left an emplaced camera programmed to capture regular images of one of the main mezzanine blackboards.

In July 2018 work began on the long-anticipated refurbishment of INI's Benians Court properties - a project first proposed in 2012.

This exciting new redevelopment involves the comprehensive update of 24 apartments, all of which are regularly used to house INI visitors and participants. Of those flats, 16 are being altered to contain two double rooms with en-suite facilities, with improved kitchen areas and standardised quality throughout the furnishings.

On the afternoon of Monday 1 October 2018 the Isaac Newton Institute hosted the event "Fermat’s Last Theorem: A celebration 25 years on".

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Sir Andrew Wiles famously announcing his proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem at the Institute, the event featured technical talks with speakers including Andrew Wiles himself (Oxford), John Coates (Cambridge) and Jack Thorne (Cambridge); a presentation to Andrew Wiles; and a wine reception for the gathered guests.