New Department of Marine Biotechnology and Institute of Fluorescence at UMBC, Baltimore, Maryland

Posted On: June 23, 2010

From: Freeman Hrabowski, President, and Elliot Hirshman, Provost

We are delighted to announce the formation of the Department of Marine Biotechnology and the Institute of Fluorescence within the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.  These exciting additions, which stem from the reorganization of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, enhance and expand UMBC’s capacity in the campus priority areas of research infrastructure and environment and sustainability. In addition, our students will benefit from wide-ranging educational opportunities within these innovative research programs.

Both groups will continue to be based at the Columbus Center in downtown Baltimore, and USM is transferring budgetary support for associated faculty, staff and operating costs.  The Columbus Center houses state-of-the-art research facilities, including a 16,200 m ² fully-contained, recirculating marine aquaculture facility, a versatile high-volume fermentation facility, a fully functional Biosafety level-three suite and a wide array of advanced molecular and biotechnology instrumentation including digital holographic microscopy.

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