During this year’s general election, voters in Rhode Island will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 2 on a higher education bond that includes $87.5 million in funding that will support a new biomedical sciences building on The University of Rhode Island (URI) campus in Kingston, RI.
URI has established a strong foundation to support cutting-edge research and training in the life sciences, and biomedical sciences, including neuroscience. The proposed facility would support the expansion of existing programs and the development of new initiatives and would build on the momentum of the state’s investment in the newly established life sciences hub. The proposed biomedical sciences building would provide state-of-the-art laboratory space for faculty and student researchers engaged in important work across a range of biomedical, biotechnology, and life science-related fields.
In January, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee proposed the new building as part of URI’s science quad on Flagg Road on its Kingston campus.
“We are on the cusp with AI, research, data collection, and the whole next generation of what’s happening in this country,” McKee said at the Rhode Island Life Science Hub Inaugural Summit in May. “This is a unique opportunity for Rhode Island to step up, not only be part of the game but be a leader.”
With more than 6,000 students studying a field related to the life sciences, URI is developing an educated workforce that will attract life sciences companies to Rhode Island—creating job opportunities, strengthening the economic vitality, and driving innovation in the Ocean State.
“URI is leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical and life sciences,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “Our researchers are accelerating important advances in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. We are helping to drive economic development in the state, and our graduates are making an impact, both locally and globally. We are Rhode Island’s flagship university and we are committed to addressing the needs of our state and improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders.”
The collection of articles in this issue of Momentum highlights how the University has grown into a national leader in the biomedical and life sciences. With support from Rhode Islanders, the institution can improve the research facilities on campus, enhance faculty research, student education, workforce development, and the economy of the state.