Alabama Sate University’s Department of Biological Sciences has received a $5 million appropriation to spur ASU’s rapidly growing scientific research and training enterprise.

The contribution will significantly enhance ASU’s capacity to train and prepare world-class scientist who will advance the State of Alabama’s position towards a global scientific presence, said Karyn Scissum-Gunn, interim university provost and chair of biological sciences.

“We are witnessing history,” said Gunn. “With our new PhD program in microbiology, cutting edge nanobiotechnology initiative, new state-of-the-art Life Sciences building… a major scientific research hub is evolving in the capital city. We have just taken a leap forward with the support of U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL).”

Shelby, chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (CJS), first announced the $5 million appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2006 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill. Shelby said he is pleased that the bill includes money for ASU.

“We must continue to invest in our state’s colleges and universities to ensure that students are receiving the best education possible, while also providing economic development opportunities for our state,” Shelby said. “Investing in Alabama’s research universities is one of the smartest ways for our state to secure high-quality, non-exportable jobs and to secure the United States’ competitive edge in the global economy.”

“The new Life Sciences building, which will open in 2009, will breathe new life into biological research for ASU,” said Alfred Seawright, member, ASU Board of Trustees.

According to Seawright, it will house ASU’s new doctoral program in micro-biology; have state-of-the-art molecular biology teaching laboratories, and multimedia classrooms that will be furnished with the latest instructional software for both graduate and undergraduate courses.

The $5 million appropriation will be used to acquire “cutting-edge” research and technological equipment for laboratories and to establish ASU as a global leader in life sciences programs and research.

“ASU is already creating international collaborations with China, India, Argentina, Turkey, Japan and Singapore,” Gunn said. “This allows our researchers to be on top of scientific discoveries in the future and establish a presence for ASU in the scientific marketplace.”

Shelby said the money will help prepare students to meet the challenges of the future.

“The jobs of tomorrow require a great understanding of math and science today,” Shelby said. “The new science building at ASU will provide facilities for Alabama’s students who will receive a first-class education space, and researchers who will gain technologically advanced research facilities.”

By Timothy C. Ervin, staff writer