A FLAGSHIP research facility at the University of Glasgow was opened today by a Nobel prize-winning chemist.

The £118 million Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) was officially opened on Wednesday, June 8.

The centre has been hailed as the new creative and collaborative heart of cross-disciplinary research at the university.

Nobel Laureate, Prof Sir David MacMillan, addressed attendees at the inaugural event before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the building.

The centre will provide a unique environment for delivering world changing research.

Glasgow Times: The new Advance Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.The new Advance Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.

The building is named after University of Glasgow graduate John Shaw and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who donated $7.5 million to the university for the building’s construction.

Speaking at the event, Prof Sir MacMillan said: “I am honoured to open the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.

"This truly is a unique and inspiring building, which recognises and reflects the University of Glasgow’s world changing research ambitions.”

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Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli said: “The Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre creates an environment that enables bold and creative research with world-changing potential.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all our colleagues who have helped bring the ARC to reality and all the people and organisations who believe in the University of Glasgow’s vision.

"I would like to thank you all for your support.”

Glasgow Times: Dame Katherine Grainger, chancellor of the university, and the University’s UNESCO Poet in Residence, Tawona Sithole, who performed a specially commissioned piece of poetry, entitled ‘arc’, to celebrate the occasion.Dame Katherine Grainger, chancellor of the university, and the University’s UNESCO Poet in Residence, Tawona Sithole, who performed a specially commissioned piece of poetry, entitled ‘arc’, to celebrate the occasion.

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Kiran and John Shaw said: “It is our fervent hope that the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre will provide a unique environment that supports the kind of inter-disciplinary, collaborative research that leads to breakthrough and world changing innovations, which will enhance the quality of life and through the betterment of human society.”