Last word

Without question, the emergence of the new education and research building, with its stunning glass façade, along the western edge of the main campus green has already begun to transform our physical environment in a lasting way. Dozens of energized and vibrant research teams—those expert in the neurosciences, gene therapy and molecular medicine—are getting to work in sparkling new labs and collaborative spaces, advancing investigations that will unlock new scientific understanding, treatments and cures for some of the most challenging conditions that people face.

But in the case of this building, some of its greatest impacts are invisible. Beneath the grassy quad closest to the Medical School’s main lobby is a complex geothermal system consisting of 75 boreholes, each 500-feet deep, that now contain an underground network
of pipes to heat and cool the new nine-story facility in the most efficient and environmentally friendly manner possible. Of course, this is noteworthy because buildings dedicated to biomedical research labs are notoriously large energy consumers, so we take particular pride in knowing that our newest building is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, representing our commitment to achieving best practices in sustainability. Compared to a similar building heated and cooled by systems that use fossil fuels, UMass Chan’s new building will reduce carbon emissions by 42 percent.

Inside this bright and airy space, we are bringing together interdisciplinary research teams and learners who, through their work, offer hope to the world. Maybe you or someone you love relies on such a spark of hope when faced with a difficult diagnosis. Countless people around the globe who are facing diseases for which there is currently no effective treatment or cure find hope in biomedical research. Hope for a cure. Hope for a new discovery. Hope for more time.

Countless people around the globe who are facing diseases for which there is currently no effective treatment or cure find hope in biomedical research.

Hope for a cure.
Hope for a new discovery.
Hope for more time.

In turn, our faculty and broader research community draw inspiration and keen insights from patients and advocates. We are all partners in this noble- and serious-minded quest. As scientists and caregivers, we aspire to discover evidence-based advances in a collaborative manner that we know from experience leads to better outcomes. Our new education and research building offers an ideal setting to pursue this calling.

In the months and years to come, I will continue to reflect on the ways in which the new education and research building represents our collective ambition and commitment to discovery, learning and healing. ■

—

Michael F. Collins, MD
Chancellor and Senior Vice President for the Health Sciences