Opening of The Kavli Royal Society Centre for the Advancement of Science

The Kavli Royal Society Centre for the Advancement of Science at Chicheley Hall was officially opened on Tuesday 14 September 2010.

Fellows of the Royal Society, including a number of Nobel Prize winners, gathered at the 18th century country home to hear the official dedication of the building and witness the unveiling of a portrait of the Centre's lead donor, Fred Kavli, who is Founder and Chairman of the Kavli Foundation.

Chicheley Hall is a unique and historically significant Grade I listed Georgian country house located in North Buckinghamshire. The Kavli Royal Society International Centre will host a programme of major scientific meetings; including high level ‘round tables’, policy forums at national and international level, and bilateral meetings with other academies. It will also host a programme of science and mathematics education activities to support policy makers and teachers.

Hosted by the Royal Society, speakers included Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, Fred Kavli and Professor Sir Peter Williams, Treasurer of the Royal Society, who officially thanked all of the donors who had made the project possible. Guests including Sir Paul Nurse, a Nobel Prize winner and President Elect of the Royal Society, were able to tour the hall's impressive facilities before the ceremony.

Set within 80 acres of grounds, the venue features 2 lecture halls for approximately 100 delegates each, 4 meeting rooms for up to 25 delegates and 47 bedrooms.