Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson has officially opened the new Science Precinct at ANU.
Mr Billson toured the facilities and talked to some of the students, researchers and staff including four of Australia’s leading chemistry students.
``It is truly inspirational to see the sparkle in the eye and fire in the belly of each and every one of you doing wonderful things,’’ Mr Billson said.
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Dean of the ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Andrew Roberts said it was a great day for science at ANU.
``It is a really fantastic world-class environment here and to have new buildings to support that activity is exciting,’’ Professor Roberts said.
Construction on the precinct started in 2009 and was completed in 2013, providing new buildings and facilities for biological and chemical research as well as teaching laboratories for students.
Inside the new state of the art facilities ANU researchers and students will address national and global challenges by advancing the scope of human knowledge in the biological and chemical sciences.
``The buildings have been operational for 18 months so we’ve seen everything working fabulously well,’’ Professor Roberts said.
``It is just great to be here today to celebrate the huge amount of work of so many people.’’
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young said it was important to give thanks to the many people who contributed to what is a remarkable project.
``In particular the Australian Government for their financial contribution. Without that contribution it simply would not have been possible,’’ Professor Young said.
