ALTON College proved this week that it really is "bucking the trend" in science with the official opening, by former student turned high-flier Jon Tucker, of its brand new Beacon Science Centre. Commissioned in 2003 after the college was awarded Beacon status, the new £2.2 million building was completed at Easter and has been in use for teaching since April. The modern design incorporates nine technologically-advanced science laboratories housing biology, chemistry, physics and electronics as well as private study facilities. In welcoming guests to Tuesday's opening, college principal Jane Machell said that science at Alton College was "huge and growing", not just in terms of numbers but in the quality of the work carried out and in "outstanding, top class results". In performing the opening ceremony, Jon Tucker said that he was delighted on two counts to have been asked to do so. On a professional level, as head of the London Science Museum, he believed it was his job to encourage and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers - a job Alton College was doing so well. In addition, he was a member of the college's first intake of 250 students in 1978 and it was, he said, a pleasure to be back and to see the college "going from strength to strength." In seeking to emphasise the importance of science to the future well being of the planet, Mr Tucker delivered a potted history of the human species, concluding with his "real message" which was that the future of mankind was "in our hands and in the hands of the next generation." Critically, with the more recent accelerated advancement in science and technology, it was up to mankind to decided how best to use it, he said. Having learnt from his own experience, the calibre of student tuition was, in his opinion, vitally important in shaping the careers of future generations, and he thanked his own lecturers and, in particular, former principal Michael Gray for doing just that. "You inspired me to go on and work in science," he said. In cutting the ribbon at the door to the Beacon Science Centre, Mr Tucker declared: "This is a great day for Alton College." It was a sentiment endorsed both by staff and students. Head of science Pete Givens said: "The design of the building has created a pleasant working environment with excellent facilities for teaching and learning. Students have easy access to staff and the working environment enhances the whole learning experience." First year chemistry students, waiting to go in for their next lecture, agreed. Ho y in Lee (Liphook), Catherine Parker (Haslemere) and Alice Owen (Petersfield) felt the new centre would certainly encourage more students to take up science. They were appreciative of the modern scientific and technological facilities and of the computerised study centres where they enjoyed easy access to teaching staff. In thanking all those who had contributed to the building of the new science centre, Mrs Machell made particular reference to designers Macallan Penfold, builders NH Edwards and project managers MEA. So successful has this team been that the college has reappointed them to design and construct the new art and music centre. To be named in honour of Michael Gray, who led the college for its first 25 years, the new building is expected to open in September 2006.