The ‘topping out’ ceremony of the Big Data Institute took place on Friday 26 February 2016.
In building construction, topping out is a builders' rite traditionally held when the last beam is placed atop a structure during its construction. In the ceremony, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, the topping out was symbolised by filling a remaining pocket of concrete on the second floor of the building.
Approximately 150 guests attended including donors to the Big Data Institute, the building contractors Mace, the architects MAKE and staff from the Medical Sciences Division. Speeches were delivered by Regius Professor Sir John Bell and Professor Sir Rory Collins.