The Michigan State University Board of Trustees is supporting a state funding request for the renovation and expansion of plant science greenhouses to enhance research and education.
MSU is a global leader in plant science and is working to maximize productivity of crops to meet the needs of a growing world population. The $20.9 million project will create modern and energy-efficient greenhouses and allow for an increase in innovative research capacity for crop resilience.
“Investments in this critical research infrastructure will accelerate the ability of MSU to address large scale problems like understanding how crop diseases and changing climate interact and impact our food supply,” said George Smith, associate dean of research and associate director of MSU AgBioResearch. “The amount, type and quality of greenhouse space currently available on campus significantly limits the research potential of the plant science research community.”
The university is asking the state of Michigan to provide $15 million toward the project in capital outlay funding. Agriculture is the second largest contributor to the Michigan economy with approximately $104 billion in revenue and employing 17% of the state’s workforce.
Also at the Oct. 25 meeting, trustees accepted a $19.5 million gift from Doug Meijer and the Meijer Foundation. The money will support the design, construction and outfitting of a radiopharmacy within a new medical innovation building in Grand Rapids. The facility will support the creation of precision oncology as well as the development of clinical protocols and applications to better serve patients.
In recognition of the gift, the final structure will be known as the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building. It is anticipated construction will be complete in late 2021.
Other board activity included:
- A presentation by Anna Moore from the College of Human Medicine on advancements in proactive medicine.
- Approval of recent executive-level position appointments.
- Finalizing the sale of property in Ingham and Iron counties.
The next board meeting will be Dec. 13.
