The University of Adelaide today officially opened its new $100 million science and research building, The Braggs, named after two of its greatest alumni, 1915 Nobel Laureates Sir William Henry Bragg and his son, Sir William Lawrence Bragg.

The Braggs - which recently won the State's top architectural award - was opened by Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Senator for South Australia.

The building houses the University's world-leading Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and other learning and research facilities.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington said: "Sir William and Sir Lawrence Bragg are two of the University of Adelaide's greatest alumni. Their research determining the molecular structure of crystals using x-rays continues to be used in medicine, chemistry, physics, mining and biology.

"Today in The Braggs we continue their legacy of learning and discovery; bringing together physicists, chemists and biologists to work together in advancing science for the benefit of all of our futures."

The Braggs Building. Photo courtesy of the University of Adelaide

Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr said The Braggs was a fitting home for IPAS researchers.

"Here we have outstanding researchers, led by an outstanding scientific leader in Professor Tanya Monro, working across disciplines on projects whose applications are endless. It follows that their headquarters is a state-of-the-art building, the likes of which this country has not seen before."

Sir William Henry Bragg spent 22 years at the University of Adelaide, as Elder Professor of Mathematics and Physics from 1886 to 1908, and his pioneering work with X-rays and radium started at the University of Adelaide.

Sir Lawrence Bragg graduated from the University of Adelaide in mathematics in 1908, and in 1915 won the Nobel Prize jointly with his father. Sir Lawrence Bragg remains the youngest scientist ever to win the Nobel Prize, at 25.

The Braggs has more than 10,000 square metres of research and teaching facilities with unique specialized laboratories including for glass processing, optical fibre fabrication, luminescence dating and atmospheric sensing, as well as a 420-seat lecture theatre, two floors of state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and additional student and staff space.

IPAS Research Showcase: Following the official opening, IPAS will hold a research showcase in The Braggs Lecture Theatre from 11.30-15.30, featuring optical fibre pioneer Professor Sir David Payne, Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, and research presentations from IPAS researchers.

The Braggs was designed by BVN Architecture and Hames Sharley and constructed by Baulderstone, with funding support from the Australian Government through the Education Investment Fund and the State Government of SA.