UNL Announces Major Plans for New Virology Building

Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 6, 2003 -- University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials announced today a major initiative to increase research space on campus.

Vice Chancellor for Research Prem Paul, announced today plans for a new virology building, which would be sited on East Campus to take advantage of infrastructure already in place and to locate the scientists near an existing core of researchers. The building, which would cost an estimated $15 million, is the first phase of an initiative to build more research space for a growing number of federally funded research projects at UNL.

The George W. Beadle Center for Genetics and Biomaterials Research, dedicated in 1995, is bursting at the seams, Paul said. Several large research teams work in the Beadle Center, including scientists in the Nebraska Center for Virology. Those scientists study viruses that cause a variety of human, animal and plant diseases and the center's scientists hold more than $19 million in federal grants to study viruses and virus-related cancers, Paul said.

" The investment in a new virology building will benefit Nebraska's economy and add to our growing reputation as a leader in research," Paul said.

The building will be funded by Federal grant funding and private donations.