Ground will be broken in the spring for the $154 million Carl J. Shapiro Science Center, the largest capital initiative in Brandeis history. The facility, designed by Payette Associates of Boston, will feature state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research labs, classrooms, a science commons, seminar rooms, conference space, and a caf.

"The complex will allow Brandeis to advance its leadership position in scientific research, and make it possible for us to continue to attract the brightest and best researchers from around the world," Brandeis President Jehuda Reinharz said.

Brandeis research scientists have made important discoveries in vital areas such as genetics, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and memory and hearing. The University has pioneered the scientific frontiers at the boundaries of different disciplines biology and physics or psychology and neuroscience to create promising new fields of endeavor.

Brandeis is the alma mater of Roderick MacKinnon '78, the 2003 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, and five members of the faculty are Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators.

"I have always believed in Brandeis and its commitment to improving the human condition through scientific research," Carl Shapiro said. "Brandeis is doing important work in the life sciences and other areas that will help us understand the causes and find cures for debilitating diseases."

The generous donation matched in Brandeis history only by the family's gift for the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Campus Center makes the Shapiros the leading benefactors in Brandeis history with a total of more than $60 million.
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Contact: Laura Gardner
gardner@brandeis.edu
781-736-4204
Brandeis University
18-Jan-2006