UMass sciences are about to get a makeover. The University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass) announced Sept. 25 that it received over $7 million in federal stimulus money from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build two new laboratories in the Lederle Graduate Research Center (LGRC) and create shared lab and instrument space on campus. The university will use the stimulus money, along with campus funds, to begin an $11.7 million renovation of the biochemistry, molecular biology and chemistry departments and allow scientists to more efficiently conduct experiments and collaborate across disciplines.

The LGRC renovation will transform approximately 15,000 square feet of cubicles and outdated laboratories dating from the 1960s into modernized workspace fit for the newest technologies, allowing scientists to more easily research, meet and exchange ideas.

“This renovation is a great example of our strategy to enable interdisciplinary research,” Michael Malone, UMass vice chancellor for research and engagement, commented. “These infrastructure projects have a very large and sustained impact because modern facilities will enable much more effective research and increase our capacity for extramural funding.”

Faculty members in the sciences have been hoping for increased collaboration between departments and have been carefully planning the new layout for the buildings, led by Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Jennifer Normanly.

“We’ve had regular chalk talks, seminars and presentations designed to be as cross-disciplinary as possible but it was limited by the old space,” Normanly said. “Nevertheless, the group persisted so biologists could learn to speak the language of chemistry and vice versa. We feel this renovation is a recognition by NIH and the UMass, Amherst campus of our past success and future promise. The new space will formalize and enhance our interactions even more. This project represents long-term, dedicated faculty collaboration to attract international attention to our research.”