Industry News

George Mason University (GMU) has opened the 98,974-sf Research I facility in Fairfax, Va. The $21.7-million facility features an astronomical observatory tower and telescope dome, faculty offices, laboratories, and research facilities for the College of Science, including the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research, the Center for Quantum Studies, and the Center for History and New Media. The project began construction in 2003 and opened for classes in fall of 2006. 

The University of Saskatchewan has begun construction on the $110 million International Vaccine Center (InterVac) in Saskatoon. Designed by Smith Carter of Winnipeg, the 165,000-sf facility will include large animal testing facilities and BSL-3 containment laboratories for infectious disease and vaccine research.

The University of Missouri-Columbia and the National Institutes of Health have awarded K&S Associates of St. Louis the $12.6 million contract to construct the new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). Located on the east campus with the Veterinary Medicine Complex, the 23,000-gsf BSL-3 facility will contain 9,768 sf of research and support space. The facility will feature a penthouse and full basement for HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems and equipment.

The Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia, will initiate construction on its Containment Level 3 laboratory in December of 2006. Enabling the Canadian province to respond more effectively to animal disease incidents, the facility will accommodate bacterial and viral testing. The $41.5-million facility will be built by Vanbots Construction and is expected to be operational by late 2007. Prior to occupancy the facility will be commissioned and tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Defense R&D Canada (DRDC) officially opened the Counter Terrorism Technology Centre (CTTC) at DRDC Suffield in Alberta on October 18, 2006.