Voter-approved bond to accelerate critical biomedical sciences research at the University of Rhode Island
KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 7, 2024 – Rhode Island voters strongly supported an investment in higher education that will accelerate work in the biomedical sciences and cybersecurity by approving a $160.5 million bond referendum on Tuesday.
The general obligation bond will provide $87.5 million for the construction of a biomedical sciences building at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston Campus, as well as $73 million for renovations to Whipple Hall at Rhode Island College, creating a dedicated space for the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies.
“First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to the voters of Rhode Island for their support of Question 2 and higher education,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “Approval of Question 2 is an investment not just in the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, but an investment in our entire state.”
With 452 of 453 polling places reporting as of Wednesday morning, 59.7 percent of voters cast ballots in support of investments that will advance health care and cybersecurity; drive economic growth; and create high-wage, high-demand jobs in the Ocean State.
A large majority of Rhode Island cities and towns voted to approve Question 2, showing broad statewide support. Thirteen Rhode Island communities turned in approval percentages above 60 percent: Central Falls (80 percent), Providence (79), New Shoreham (71), Pawtucket (70), Barrington (67), Jamestown (67), Newport (65), East Greenwich (64), Narragansett (64), North Providence (64), South Kingstown (63), Little Compton (62), and Cranston (61).
Support for Question 2 builds on a strong foundation at the University for leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical sciences. It also capitalizes on momentum in the state for the life sciences through the newly launched Rhode Island Life Sciences Hub.
“This bond will provide our researchers and students in the neurosciences and other health and life science disciplines the necessary spaces to carry out their important work,” Parlange said. “Critical advances—including in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and ALS—are happening right here in Rhode Island, at URI. This bond will accelerate that work.”
The new biomedical sciences building supported by the bond will provide state-of-the-art laboratory space for researchers engaged in work across a range of biomedical, biotechnology, and science-related fields, as well as office space to support research. The building will be located on the University’s science quad, providing synergies with researchers in pharmaceutical science and pharmacology, engineering, nursing, biology, and a range of other science disciplines.
URI also is home to the Rhode Island IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, a statewide research and training network with nine participating Rhode Island colleges and universities. With robust support from the National Institutes of Health, Rhode Island INBRE’s investment in biomedical research and training in Rhode Island totals more than $100 million since 2001.
Approval of Question 2 continues a record of strong support by Rhode Island voters for investment in higher education and, in particular, in URI as the state’s flagship public research university.
“I want to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help rally support for Question 2. And I want to acknowledge Governor McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Ruggerio, and the entire General Assembly for their great support,” Parlange said. “We are proud to be Rhode Island’s university.”
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