JUPITER — The Max Planck Florida Institute is one step closer to moving into its permanent location on six acres at Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter.
Dr. Peter Gruss, president of Germany’s Max Planck Society, presided at the recent official groundbreaking ceremony for the new 100,000-square-foot biomedical research facility – the first Max Planck Institute in the United States.
Dr. Peter Gruss, president of Germany's Max Planck Society, presides over groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Max Planck Florida Institute
With a focus on cutting-edge research in the neurosciences and integrative biology, the Max Planck Florida Institute adds a powerful international dimension to the state’s growing bioscience cluster. It is equally important as a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s economic platform with the goal of becoming a magnet for the best scientific minds and research organization’s in the world.
“Basic research is the key driver of innovation,” said Gruss. “The knowledge that we will gain from the Max Planck Florida Institute will create a basis for revolutionary innovations – the foundation on which the world of tomorrow will be built. With the support of Palm Beach County and the state of Florida, this new campus will enable us to fulfill our mission of conducting research at the highest level of quality and excellence.”
Attending were dignitaries that included State Representatives Carl Domino and Maria Sachs, Palm Beach Commissioners Karen Marcus, Burt Aaronson, Priscilla Taylor; Jeff Koons, Shelley Vana and Jess Santamaria; Chancellor of the State University System Frank Brogan; Dr. Mary Jane Saunders, the new president of Florida Atlantic University and Kelly Smallridge, president of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
The Max Planck Florida Institute is currently operating in a 40,000-square-foot temporary facility on the MacArthur Campus. The new facility, designed by the Washington, DC office of ZGF Architects LLP, will provide a state-of-the-art home for the scientists and research teams. The building is designed to accommodate nearly 58,000-square-feet of laboratory space that will house wet and dry bench research, instrumentation labs, computational research, core imaging facilities and microscope suites, information technology services and offices for researchers and support staff.
The scientific facilities will be organized into three research wings, including six guest labs to facilitate collaborative research with the scientific community in the field. Conference rooms, a 100-seat auditorium, lounges and administration offices are centrally located around an open lobby that connects all three floor levels. A large atrium is directly connected to an outdoor terrace on the second floor and provides a central gathering space. Building features also include tropical landscaping, outdoor seating, a 230-space surface parking lot and pedestrian-friendly pathways connecting the Max Planck Florida Institute to neighboring buildings on the FAU campus.
The Max Planck Florida Institute will also have a tremendous impact on education around the state and beyond. Students will be presented with some of the finest science-related programs and opportunities anywhere in the country. Plans are in development for internship and mentor programs, plus regular lectures by leading international scientists and researchers.
Construction on the new building is expected to be completed by early 2012. For more information, visit www.maxplanckflorida.org.