Washington State University, Pullman is home to one of the top plant science research departments in the country. Plant science research is a pressing issue for today’s scientists because it affects how we respond to climate change, helps us grow enough food and protects food from pests and pathogens. It’s exciting for both WSU researchers and interested readers alike, then, that the Washington Grain Commission announced they will give $5 million in life science funding towards a new research facility expansion that will advance grain studies at Washington State University, Pullman.
“When the Washington Grain Commission asked researchers at WSU what they felt the biggest limiting factor for moving their research forward was, they told us they needed more greenhouse space,” said Washington Grain Commission Chairman Steve Claassen. “This will be a huge benefit to Washington grain growers as they will be able to plant improved varieties of wheat and barley and they will be available sooner.”
Artist's rendering of the new research facility
Image courtesy of WSU Pullman
The new research facility at WSU Pullman will complement the existing 34,000-square-foot wheat research growth building. Phase 1 of construction involves building 9,500 square feet of greenhouse space on two levels. In this phase, 10,500 square feet of indoor space for research and lab equipment will also be introduced. Phase 1 completion is scheduled for 2015.
“This state-of-the-art plant growth facility is a solid example of the close relationship that exists between the WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences and the Washington Grain Commission that partnered to construct the facility, and USDA-ARS that funded the equipment necessary to conduct the research,” said Jim Moyer, director of the Washington State University Agricultural Research Center. “This is a unique partnership that supports the kind of cutting-edge, responsive research required by a billion-dollar grain industry.”
The Washington Grain Commission’s grant will be counted towards the $1 billion “Campaign for Washington State University: Because the World Needs Big Ideas.” So far, the university has received more than $934.4 million towards supporting students, faculty, research and extension programs through this fundraising campaign.
In addition to the life science funding received for a new research facility, WSU Pullman receives a significant amount of research grants that makes the university an attractive option for lab suppliers working to market their biotech solutions. Consider the following funding statistics for Washington State University, Pullman:
- WSU Pullman has received $17.8 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health for the year 2014.
- WSU Pullman was ranked 14th in the nation for NIH funding in 2013, having received $320.1 million.
- The National Science Foundation gave the university $18 million in funding in 2013.
- WSU Pullman has a $779.9 million endowment.
- In 2012, life science R&D expenditures at the university were $625 million, the 11th highest in the country.
If you would like to meet with well-funded researchers in the process of stocking brand new labs at Washington State University, Pullman, Biotechnology Calendar, Inc. invites you to exhibit at the BioResearch Product Faire™ Event at Washington State University on October 29th, 2014.
To learn about life science marketing events in other regions of the United States, see the 2014 calendar of events and 2015 calendar of events. Click on the button below for an in-depth list of life science funding statistics and vendor show information for Washington State University, Pullman.
