MARINELAND, Fla. – The University of Florida celebrated the opening of its new Whitney Marine Research Center on April 14, marking a significant expansion of marine science research, education and conservation efforts at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
University leaders, faculty, students and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 38,000-square-foot, LEED gold-certified facility overlooking the Matanzas River and Atlantic Ocean.
Speakers included UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini, UF Interim President Donald W. Landry, Whitney Laboratory Director for Marine Bioscience Veronica Hinman and Associate Professor of Chemistry Sandra Loesgen, who highlighted the center’s role in advancing scientific discovery and training the next generation of researchers.
“The Whitney Lab is one of the first places in the nation touched by the rising sun,” said Hosseini. “Today, a new day is dawning and the Whitney Lab is stepping into the light and the world will take notice.”
The $41.2 million facility more than doubles the laboratory’s previous research space and includes 12 state-of-the-art faculty laboratories, collaborative work areas and specialized research environments. Designed with an open-lab concept, the building encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and idea sharing among researchers.
New features include a dedicated microscopy space, aquaculture facilities and a maker space equipped with tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to support custom research needs.
The center also houses an expanded Sea Turtle Hospital, increasing rehabilitation capacity and creating new opportunities for research, education and community engagement. The hospital is in the process of transitioning into the new space.
“With biodiversity loss on the rise, discovery is critical,” said Landry. “The ocean spans most of the planet and offers vast opportunities for new findings. The Whitney Lab is advancing discovery through innovation and education.”
An interactive Discovery Lobby on the first floor offers visitors an immersive experience showcasing the laboratory’s research and programs. The space includes a large-scale hanging art installation inspired by marine life and microscopic organisms, supported by the state’s Art in State Buildings program.
Following the ceremony, attendees toured the facility during an open house, where faculty, staff and students demonstrated research activities and shared insights into their work.
Designed by Lord Aeck Sargent and TTV Architects and constructed by DPR Construction, the Whitney Marine Research Center strengthens UF’s position as a leader in marine bioscience and coastal research.
The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, located in St. Augustine, is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on understanding marine organisms and ecosystems to address challenges in human health, environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
“This moment opens the door to the next phase of the laboratory,” said Hinman. “We’re now in a position to think bigger, more collaboratively and with greater ambition.”
