The modern Wallenberg Centre, made possible by a generous grant from the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation of Sweden, was officially opened on 15 November 2007.
The was accompanied by a week of celebrations and lectures. The official opening on Thursday 15 November started with a champagne celebration where the architect, Mr Hein Visser explained the design of the building and the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Russel Botman talked about the relationship between the University and STIAS. Afterwards there was a guided tour of the facility.
In the evening of the 15th a gala dinner was attended inter alia by Dr. Peter Wallenberg Sr., Chair of the Wallenberg Foundations and by members of his family. Prof. Mzamo Mangaliso, President of the National research Foundation and member of the Board of Directors of STIAS was the keynote speaker. The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Derek Hanekom and Prof. James Gates of the University of Maryland and a fellow of STIAS also participated in the program.
For a description of the design and purpose of the Wallenberg Research Centre, go to ‘Research facilities’.