From left to right: vice-chancellor, Professor Malcolm Press, university chancellor, Lord Mandelson and faculty pro-vice-chancellor, Professor Mark SterlingManchester Metropolitan has officially opened its doors to the Dalton building, the most ambitious development project in its history. As the university celebrates its 200th anniversary year, the new building marks the culmination of a decade worth of investment to transform its campus and deliver excellent education and world-leading research. The ‘state of the art’ facility in the heart of Manchester is home to the faculty of science and engineering and is set to become a global hub for innovation, research and industry collaboration.
Addressing the audience at an official opening ceremony earlier this month; university chancellor Lord Mandelson, vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Press and faculty pro-vice-chancellor Professor Mark Sterling celebrated the significance of the building, which will serve as a cornerstone for STEM education and research. Named in honour of John Dalton, a pioneering scientist whose work laid the foundations for modern chemistry, the building embodies the university’s commitment to pushing boundaries and solving global challenges.
Professor Mark Sterling said: “Our purpose is to deliver impactful research, enhance STEM education, and foster partnerships for positive change. Since 2020, our research funding has more than tripled, highlighting the recognition of our work’s quality and impact globally. This achievement supports the university’s plans to transform our students’ lives, advance knowledge, and address significant challenges and tackle the grand challenges of our time.”
The new facility will position the university as a leader in science and technology education. The building, which features cutting-edge laboratories, research hubs, and active learning environments, will provide a vital space for the university’s work across four key research themes: health, sport and active ageing; clean energy and the natural environment; advanced materials and manufacturing; and artificial intelligence (AI), digital, and cyber-physical systems.
At the opening ceremony, the university also highlighted the international partnerships which are integral to its mission. A special welcome was extended to representatives from Hubei University, whose Joint Education Institute partnership with Manchester Metropolitan reflects a shared vision of educational excellence and global collaboration.
The opening of the Dalton building also reflects Manchester Metropolitan’s broader goals of inclusivity and societal impact. Currently, half of the university’s 8,400 science and engineering students come from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Similarly, half of its students in the faculty are also first in their family to benefit from a university education. The commitment to inclusivity also extends to degree apprenticeship programmes, which provide students with practical, on-the-job experience while earning academic qualifications.
In his speech, university chancellor Lord Mandelson reflected on the university’s diverse and dynamic community and the impact this new facility will have on current and future generations. He said: “Together, we will continue to secure award-winning grants, pioneer ground-breaking research, and make the world a better place — one discovery, one innovation, one collaboration at a time. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this incredible achievement. I look forward to seeing how the Dalton building will serve as the foundation for the next era of success for Manchester Metropolitan, our students and our partners.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Press concluded: “I am confident that the Dalton building will be the foundation for many more successes to come. It will be a place where the brightest minds gather, collaborate, and create solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”