A major gift from our benefactor, Dr Yusuf Hamied FRS Hon FRSC Hon ScD, has enabled us to transform two research laboratories at the Department of Chemistry, creating exceptional spaces for scientific discovery while honouring two outstanding colleagues.

Last Friday, Dr Hamied formally opened the Abell-Hamied Laboratory for Chemical Biology, named in memory of the late Professor Chris Abell, and the Sanders-Hamied Laboratory, named in recognition of Professor Jeremy Sanders.

The opening ceremony celebrated the achievements and lasting contributions of both scientists. Katherine Abell gave a moving tribute to Chris, while University of Cambridge Vice Chancellor Deborah Prentice thanked Yusuf for his unwavering support of science and his commitment to supporting future generations of researchers.

These newly updated and transformed laboratories represent a significant investment in the future of chemistry, providing researchers with inspiring environments to pursue innovative work and address some of the most important scientific challenges of our time.

Professor James Keeler, HoD, said: "The Lensfield Road building, of which Dr Hamied was one of the first occupants during his student years, has been a fantastic home for Cambridge chemists for 70 years. The complete refurbishment of these two laboratories, so generously made possible by Yusuf, gives us the highest quality facilities as befits the vision of those who conceived of a new chemistry building all those years ago." 

We are deeply grateful to Yusuf Hamied for his extraordinary generosity and continued support of our research community.