WATCH: Materials Innovation Factory official opening

Published on 22 October 2018

The Materials Innovation Factory, an £81 million facility dedicated to the research and development of advanced materials, was officially opened by the President of the Royal Society and Nobel Laureate, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan.

Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of the University, welcomed more than 150 guests to celebrate the opening of the facility.

The Materials Innovation Factory was established in partnership with Unilever and their Chief Research & Development Officer, David Blanchard, spoke about the importance of working in partnership.

Sam Gyimah MP, Science and Universities minister, found the facility "inspiring" and  spoke about the Government's ambition for 2.4% of GDP to be spent on research and innovation by 2027.

Professor Andy Cooper, Academic Director for the Materials Innovation Factory, paid tribute to the team who made the project happen, and, in particular, Dr Simon Longden, Managing Director of the Materials Innovation Factory.

Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society and Nobel Laureate, performed the official opening and brought the official proceedings to a close with the unveiling of the plaque: