Novozymes Biologicals names laboratory, supports STEM education at Radford University

International bio innovation company Novozymes Biologicals has made a $50,000 gift to Radford University for a laboratory in the new Center for the Sciences building. The Novozymes Biology Lab will be a teaching laboratory for introductory biology courses for undergraduate students.

“We are grateful to Novozymes Biologicals for their support and proud to partner with them in creating this wonderful learning space,” said Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle. “The introductory courses taught in this laboratory will lay the foundation for a successful career in science for many of our students.”

Construction on the Center for the Sciences is expected to begin in fall 2012 with a tentative completion date of fall 2014. In addition to teaching and research laboratories, the $49 million, 115,000 square foot building will include faculty and staff offices, a vivarium to offer climate-controlled zoology research opportunities and a new Museum of the Earth Sciences and RU Planetarium. EYP, one of the nation’s top-performing green design firms, is in charge of the project.

The Novozymes Biology Lab is the second Radford University program supported by the company. It has supported the Summer Bridge Program for the previous three years and has made a $10,000 gift to the 2012 event. The program is offered free of charge to rising sophomore, junior and senior female high school students from across Virginia to study science, technology and mathematics with Radford University professors.

“We are pleased to be part of unlocking the passion for science to ensure the next generation of thought leaders,” said Patrick Patterson, president of Novozymes Biologicals. “I strongly encourage students to pursue a career in science, technology and math as a way to be part of creating the future.”

About Novozymes Biologicals:

Based in Denmark with locations around the world, including Salem, Va., Novozymes is a bio innovation company using biotechnology to improve the use of resources in more than 40 industries around the world. They offer the leading technology platform for bioethanol production. Novozymes is about making more with less. Within the biofuels industry, Novozymes' enzyme technology helps unlock the fuel potential of starch crops and biomass.

Dec 6, 2011
Christy Jackson
540-831-7745
cjackson2@radford.edu