A new home for innovation and discovery
At work in a University of Lethbridge chemistry lab – fostering research is a goal for the new Science & Academic Building. UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Demonstrating its commitment to community and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education, the University of Lethbridge (U of L) is giving innovation a new place to grow in Canada.
Connecting with community has always been a hallmark at U of L, and this outreach is set to rise to a whole new level with the September 2019 opening of the $280-million Science & Academic Building.
The 38,500 square metres of new space will help define the university’s direction for the future and underscore its reputation as a leading provider of STEAM education in Canada, says Dr. Craig Cooper, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.
He adds that the new facility will be one of the most advanced in Canada for teaching and research in the sciences and a home for innovation and discovery.
“One of the major design principles is to encourage and foster interdisciplinary research among the sciences,” says Dr. Cooper. “We will make this a reality by adopting a shared-space paradigm, with large, open, flexible and adaptable laboratory environments instead of traditional labs for individual researchers.”
For example, large lab clusters might have between 10 and 15 researchers in one lab space along with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and shared equipment.
“That encourages individuals to collaborate more because we know that no single discipline in science can answer all the questions, it has to be done through trans-disciplinary research – and that’s what we’re moving towards,” says Dr. Cooper.
Glass walls will allow visitors, including K-12 students attending the university’s outreach programs, to observe science research and teaching laboratories and to interact with scientific displays.
Valerie Archibald, U of L’s director of youth outreach, Faculty of Arts & Science, says there is a dedicated outreach space in the new building, allowing more STEAM programming throughout the year.
“Young students from all over southern Alberta will be able to come onto campus and participate in various hands-on, interactive learning opportunities that may not be offered to them at their own community school,” she says.
“Using fun and engaging programs, such as summer camps and after-school clubs, our Destination Exploration program provides young students an opportunity to become comfortable with campus, our labs and classroom settings. These students will have a sense of ownership of the U of L at a young age and will come to recognize it as their university.”
“These students will have a sense of ownership of the
U of L at a young age and will come to recognize it as their university. ”
Dr. Matthew Letts, professor and associate dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, says the new building will be home to the Agility Innovation Zone, a dedicated, high-profile space where students work with a mentor and creatively apply what they have learned inside and outside the classroom.
“It’s a space where students with the proper training can use tools and equipment to work on their ideas and see whether there’s a practical, applied or entrepreneurial outcome for what they have learned at the university,” he adds.
When classes begin in the fall, the new facility will greatly enhance opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike. A community grand opening is planned for September.
“This really is a science centre for all of southern Alberta,” says Dr. Cooper. “We are very excited to welcome the community and scientists of all ages to showcase the incredible spaces and opportunities for discovery.”
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