Newly-renovated laboratories and greenhouse at Bishop’s – New natural sciences ready for 2019-20 academic year

Bishop’s University’s natural sciences facilities have benefited from a $9.3 million improvement for the beginning of the new academic year.

The project, which got underway in January 2018, will benefit students and faculty conducting research, notably in astrophysics, organic chemistry, biodiversity, epidemiology and cell biology. More than 700 square metres of renovated space also include modernized teaching laboratories in organic and analytical chemistry, improved communal study rooms, and new safety features such as electronic card access control points.

“As with our Library and Learning Commons Project last year, the Governments of Canada and Quebec provided funds to support these improvements to our infrastructures in the Johnson building, which will greatly benefit our students’ journey towards academic excellence,” remarked Bishop’s University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Michael Goldbloom, C.M.

Funding for the project came from the Post Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund and Quebec’s Plan quinquennal d’investissment universitaire.

Bishop’s newly-renovated greenhouse features 15-foot ceilings, allowing for cultivation of a wide variety of species and experiential learning opportunities, such as growing hops for the Brewing Sciences graduate certificate, for instance. It was also designed with sustainability features in mind, such as water recuperation systems for irrigation, and opaque curtains to limit light pollution.

“I am proud to see the completion of these state-of-the-art greenhouse and laboratories. Congratulations to Bishop’s University for modernizing these infrastructures which will provide new learning opportunities to its students,” declared Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister and M.P. for Compton – Stanstead Marie-Claude Bibeau.

“When Quebec University students have access to quality research and learning infrastructures and equipment, all Quebecers stand to reap the benefits of their knowledge and discovery,” indicated Geneviève Hébert, M.N.A. for St-François.

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Olivier Bouffard
Director of Communications
819-822-9600 ext. 2840
olivier.bouffard@ubishops.ca