Tech News Summary:
- Oregon State University received a $20 million gift from alumni Judy and Mike Gaulke to establish a center for marine innovation and technology, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancement in oceanography.
- The Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology aims to bridge the gap between oceanography and artificial intelligence, leveraging Oregon State’s expertise in oceanography and engineering. The center will also benefit from resources at the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, which houses a powerful supercomputer.
- The Gaulkes’ gift includes support for faculty and graduate students, as well as the establishment of the Michael and Judith Gaulke Chair in Ocean Innovation. This donation is part of Believe It: The Campaign for Oregon State University, and it marks a significant step forward for marine science innovation worldwide.
OREGON – Oregon State University has unveiled plans for a new $20 million Marine Innovation and Technology Center. The center, which will be located in Newport, Oregon, will serve as a hub for research, education, and outreach in the field of marine science and technology.
The facility will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and meeting spaces, as well as access to the nearby research vessels operated by OSU. The center will also focus on fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies to address the most pressing challenges facing the marine environment.
OSU President F. King Alexander expressed excitement about the potential impact of the new center, stating, “This facility will position Oregon State as a leader in marine innovation and technology, providing our students and researchers with the resources they need to make a real difference in the world.”
The center is expected to open in 2023 and is being funded in part by a $10 million investment from the state of Oregon, with additional support from private donors and industry partners.
Dr. Bob Cowen, director of OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, emphasized the importance of the new facility in advancing marine research and technology, stating, “This center will be a game-changer for our ability to address critical issues such as ocean health, sustainable fisheries, and climate change.”
The Marine Innovation and Technology Center is poised to solidify Oregon State University’s position as a global leader in marine science and technology research, education, and innovation.