A University with a View—of the Universe
With an observatory tower that reaches to the sky and opens to the stars, the new research building at Mason in many ways represents the university’s future direction: onward and upward.
Research I is the first building of its kind at Mason. The facility was designed almost exclusively to support the institution’s growing need for research space.
“We are very excited about Research I because it is very much in sync with the university’s vision of becoming a more research-based institution,” says Matt Kluger, vice president for research and economic development. “It comprises primarily laboratories, meeting rooms, and offices—exactly the kinds of space faculty need to pursue innovative and groundbreaking research.”
Kluger emphasizes that Research I is not just for research faculty. Graduate and undergraduate students, he notes, will have ample opportunities to work with faculty on a range of projects and research efforts.
“Our students and faculty already have a number of viable partnerships in place in many areas of research. Research I enhances the opportunities for collaboration and learning.”
Among the research centers enjoying new accommodations in the building are the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research (CEOSR), the Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics, the Computational Materials Science Center, the Joint Center for Intelligent Spatial Computing, the Center for Social Complexity, the Center for History and New Media, the Center for Secure Information Systems, and the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research.
Construction on Research I began in 2003, and the approximate cost of the building is $21.7 million.
