THE University of Brighton’s new £14 million Advanced Engineering building has been officially opened at an event which celebrates the role of women in engineering.

It is a state-of-the-art facility which supports both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research.

It houses the Advanced Engineering Centre which has an international reputation for producing innovative, future-facing research into complex engine combustion processes and laser-based measurement techniques.

The building was developed with financial support from Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and the Higher Education Funding Council.

It is in partnership with Ricardo UK, the Shoreham-based global engineering, strategic and environmental consultancy and specialist manufacturer.

The Wolfson Foundation have also supported the building with a £500k grant for state-of-the-art equipment.

University of Brighton Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris said: “The Advanced Engineering Building is opening in our 25th year as a university.

“It is a great addition to our facilities and an inspiring environment for the next generation of engineering students and researchers.

“The university is extremely grateful to all of those bodies whose generous support has made all of this possible.”

The building was officially opened by Benita Mehra, President of the Women’s Engineering Society who also delivered a distinguished lecture.

She said: “Investment in such a fantastic building only aides the development of individuals and the UK as being an innovator for the future”.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Advanced Engineering Building.

“It is an outstanding example of a project that will greatly benefit the future success of the region.”