The Molecular Sciences Building was completed at the University of Birmingham in October 2023, providing a designated hub for the School of Chemistry along with facilities for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES).
We are committed to providing the best academic buildings for the benefit of staff and students. The Molecular Sciences Building will strengthen our core research capabilities in the chemical, environmental and bio-molecular sciences, fostering an environment in which world-class research can be carried out. It will be a showcase for research and innovation and a place to apply that research to education, promoting collaborative work.
The Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for over 500 scientists from across different disciplines. Research in the extensive new facility will include materials for energy applications or healthcare; making plastics recyclable; environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem; and the environmental impact of critical materials such as lithium.
The new building is a sustainable hub, designed to offer the best possible laboratory spaces, and maximise energy efficiency throughout.
The new facility includes:
- State-of-the-art air-source heat pump technologies to decarbonise the facility’s energy supply and recycle waste energy
- Renewable energy generation via a rooftop solar power system
- High performance thermal and airtightness in the façade design.
- Biodiverse green roof, providing wildlife opportunities and contributing towards the University’s biodiversity programme.
- LED lighting with smart controls.
Professor Rachel O'Reilly
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and Professor of Polymer Chemistry
“Research into chemical, environmental and biomedical sciences is vital in helping us to address some of the biggest scientific challenges of our time. The Molecular Sciences Building is a tremendous addition to the University of Birmingham campus. It will encourage collaboration between researchers in different disciplines, help advance our understanding of these sciences, and provide the optimum spaces for challenge-led research to thrive.”
This is part of a multi-phased master plan that will provide world-class academic facilities and accommodation in the coming years and will facilitate greater collaborative working between University academics and Schools, as well as with industry and partner institutions.
