Yale to add science facilities

Yale University yesterday unveiled a $500 million expansion plan that will add five science buildings to the university's campus. The plan, under development since 1995, calls for new research facilities for Environmental Studies, Chemistry and Biology, as well as buildings for Engineering and Forestry and Environmental Studies. Funding for the project comes from the university and private donations, the largest of which was a $24 million donation by John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media corporation and a 1963 Yale graduate. Malone's donation will fund construction of the Engineering building. All but the building that will house the School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences will be located on Science Hill, the northern part of Yale's campus that houses the university's science programs. Yale officials hope that the expansion plan will boost the school's reputation in the sciences, which has fallen behind peer universities. According to some, the condition of some facilities was a major hindrance to the school's performance in the sciences. "The Kline Biology Tower is a disaster and has been for years," biologist Sidney Altman told The Yale Daily News. "Over the last 10 to 15 years, it has become an increasingly critical factor in our ability to hire outstanding faculty." The construction plans are the first step in Yale officials' efforts to make the university more competitive in the sciences. In addition to the planned new facilities, Yale will be renovating its existing lab space and adding two lecture halls to its central campus. The university also is seeking a National Science Foundation grant to establish a combustion research center. "This ambitious plan for science and engineering is a crucial element in Yale's strategy to remain among the very small number of universities that are considered the finest in the world," Yale President Richard Levin said in a written statement.