Staying on Top of Science
Yale University announced last month that it will invest $500 million in science and engineering buildings, one of the largest one-time building plans in academic history. About 40 percent is earmarked for new buildings and the rest for remodeling existing space. Yale's president, Richard C. Levin, has indicated that this will probably result in more hiring and spending in the scientific disciplines. The university has already committed to adding four positions in engineering and six in the biological sciences, which it is filling now. This decision illustrates the growing importance that universities are placing on scientific research. Many universities believe they need to excel in science and engineering to maintain a top ranking. Harvard University, for example, plans to spend about $200 million over the next five years on science facilities.
--Nadia S. Halim
A Grant of Extremes
A new grant from the National...