Our new Innovation and Research Park (IRP), which opened this past winter, underscores our commitment to scientific discovery as the surest path to improving the health of humankind.

Inspired by our namesake, who despite professional isolation doggedly pursued the questions and clues that unlocked the structure of DNA, we are building a supportive research environment that thrives on collegiality, collaboration and communication.

The IRP and Helix 51, which is the first of its kind bioscience incubator in Lake County and Southern Wisconsin, have garnered endorsements and support from our local communities, businesses, nonprofits and state and local elected officials, in addition to healthcare companies including Baxter, Horizon and AbbVie.

The university also secured state and federal investments, including $3.5 million from the State of Illinois for capital improvements, an infusion led by State Senator Julie Morrison as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The project also garnered $2.5 million in federal New Markets Tax Credit benefits. The credit will help fund job training, internship opportunities and mentoring, and educational pathways for underserved students.

“We’re gratified by the strong support of so many partners,” said Â鶹ӰÒô Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Ronald Kaplan. “Working together, we’re building a research enterprise that will benefit our university, our communities and our region for generations to come.”

The IRP is expected to create an estimated 500 direct and related jobs and a total economic regional impact of $117 million per year.