The building honours the profound legacy of pioneering molecular biologist and 1989 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, Dr Sidney Altman (1939–2022). Between 1969 and 1971, Dr Altman conducted vital research in Cambridge. His groundbreaking discovery that RNA can act as a catalyst – rather than just a passive carrier of genetic code – fundamentally reshaped modern biotechnology and medicine.
The opening ceremony brought together leaders from across the UK life sciences sector, featuring remarks from Jo Parfrey, Chair of the Babraham Research Campus Board, the leadership team from BioMed Realty – including Tim Schoen, CEO; Bill Kane, President - East Coast & UK Markets; and Orestis Tzortzoglou, Head of the UK Market – and representatives from the Altman family.
The opening marks a significant expansion of the Babraham Research Campus ecosystem, providing cutting-edge lab and office space to support scaling biopharma companies.
