George Mason University (GMU) has opened the 98,974-sf Research I facility in Fairfax, Va. The $21.7-million facility features an astronomical observatory tower and telescope dome, faculty offices, laboratories, and research facilities for the College of Science, including the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research, the Center for Quantum Studies, and the Center for History and New Media. The project began construction in 2003 and opened for classes in fall of 2006.
GMU is also planning to construct two additional research buildings. The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, funded in part by a $25-million grant from the National Institutes of Health, will be built on the Prince William campus. The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering will be located on the Fairfax campus.
