The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a new solicitation in a program to fund repairs and renovations at the nation's academic research facilities. The grant program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
New open-plan labs are meeting the need for more customized lab settings, including the ability to modify bench setup and support areas as needs change and increase interaction among researchers–now seen as preconditions for scientific breakthroughs.
The lead builder for the planned $37 million Forensic Medical Center at the University of Maryland's biotechnology park has been chosen, according to published reports.
A new $250 million National Institute of Health lab in Baltimore vibrates so much that tests there could be compromised, forcing administrators to consider moving to an older facility.