Geography Research Hub Opened

A traditional ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of a new Graduate Geography and Environment Research Hub at the University of Southampton (UK). The new research facility, which provides a modern research environment for up to sixty graduate doctoral students and facilities for visiting scientists, was officially opened in May 2011 by Ordnance Survey director-general and chief executive Vanessa Lawrence.

Vanessa, who is a member of the University's council and a visiting professor at the University, commented: "It was a great honour to open the new research hub. For many years Ordnance Survey has had a strong link with the University of Southampton and it is always a great pleasure to be involved with the University.
"The new hub provides graduate doctoral students with excellent facilities allowing them to carry out their important research. It also provides a superb space enabling greater collaboration and sharing of ideas between students. The overall success of graduate studies in Southampton is important to the region and the new research hub demonstrates the university's commitment to improving facilities and resources for students and staff."

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony students and other guests were given the chance to look around the new research hub.

The University of Southampton is one of Britain's leading centres for geographical research, ranked 6th in the 2011 Times Good University Guide. Its academics are involved in research impacting on all aspects of society, from global environmental change to economic transformation.