For additional information about the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at URI, including construction updates, floorplans, news, please visit the CBLS Website at:
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The Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences is part of an extraordinarily bright future for URI. The teaching and research programs
it contains will address some of the globe’s most pressing health, energy and environmental problems. The Center will also be a
critical component in Rhode Island’s efforts to develop a new, knowledge-based economy that is firmly grounded in the life sciences. Rhode Islander’s
training for careers in the life sciences and biotech industries will have opportunities to participate in programs delivered in the Center
and taught by University experts. The building will also function as the site for external linkages with industries such as Amgen, the world’s
largest pharmaceutical company, which has donated $1 million to support this project.
In 2004, Rhode Island voters approved a $50 million bond referendum supporting the construction of this $58 million project. The remaining $8 million is being raised by the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, and $3 million is already in hand from private sources and federal grants. The college is working aggressively to secure the remaining $5 million, and there are significant giving and naming opportunities still available to URI alumni and businesses. In addition to naming the Center itself, the many special features in the building that can be named include the auditorium, classrooms, the plaza atrium, the green roof, the Genomics Sequencing Center, research labs, student/faculty gathering areas, controlled environment rooms, the main lobby, the main staircase and the student affairs suite.
Anyone interested in supporting the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences can contact Dr. Jeff Seemann, Dean of the College at 401-874-2957 (jseemann@uri.edu) or Amy Porter, Assistant Dean for Development at 401-874-2446 (aporter@foundation.uri.edu).
