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Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP opens new research building at the University of Birmingham

UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology officially opens new Molecular Sciences Building

31 October 2024
Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP with Professor Adam Tickell cutting red ribbon in front of Molecular Sciences Building

Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP with Professor Adam Tickell officially opening the new Molecular Sciences Building

The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, has today [31 October] officially opened the University of Birmingham’s new Molecular Sciences Building.

A new home for the University’s environmental, chemical and biomedical sciences, the facility is designed to help researchers collaborate to address the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The building offers state-of-the-art laboratory space to bring together expertise across the Environmental Sciences and Chemistry to investigate challenges such as air pollution, plastics, sustainable manufacturing or biomedical imaging.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “The UK boasts a fantastic higher education sector, and I am continually bowled over by the work they are doing. The University of Birmingham is a brilliant example of that pioneering work with their research making significant contributions to scientific progress and advancing research in critical areas like climate change that will shape our future.

“This new facility will bolster our national mission to renew the UK: strengthening our leadership in global scientific discovery, driving innovation and collaboration, supporting high-value jobs and boosting our economy.”

The Molecular Sciences Building opens up a wealth of opportunity for our world-class researchers to work together in entirely new ways.

Professor Rachel O'Reilly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Rachel O’Reilly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham, said: “The Molecular Sciences Building opens up a wealth of opportunity for our world-class researchers to work together in entirely new ways. We are delighted to welcome Peter to our campus and show how these kinds of collaborations can stimulate new approaches to tackling global research challenges.”

Designed by Associated Architects and constructed by Morgan Sindall, the building is a hub for more than 500 scientists. It incorporates approaches and materials to make the building’s construction and operation as energy efficient and low carbon as possible.

With this in mind, the building includes air-source heat pump technologies, a rooftop solar power system, a biodiverse green roof, and LED lighting with smart controls.

The new building is part of the University's recently announced 2045 Campus Vision, which provides broad ideas for how the university’s estate can be developed over the next two decades and beyond. The vision enable the university to advance research, enhance education, strengthen its residential offer, and develop even more vibrant, accessible, inclusive and sustainable environments its communities.

Notes for editors

  • For media enquiries please contact the Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)121 414 2772: email: pressoffice@contacts.bham.ac.uk
  • The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.

Featured staff

  • Professor Rachel O'Reilly FRS

    Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research)

    Professor Rachel O'Reilly is Chair in Chemistry at the School of Chemistry. She leads the O'Reilly Group whose research targets the design, synthesis and application of uniquely derived polymeric materials.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 414 7757
    Email: r.oreilly@bham.ac.uk

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