The Max Planck Florida Institute is one step closer to moving into its permanent location on six acres at Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter. Today, Dr. Peter Gruss, President of Germany’s Max Planck Society, presided at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new 100,000-square-foot biomedical research facility – the first Max Planck Institute in the United States. With a focus on cutting-edge research in the neurosciences and integrative biology, the Max Planck Florida Institute adds a powerful international dimension to the state’s growing bioscience cluster. It is equally important as a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s economic platform with the goal of becoming a magnet for the best scientific minds and research organizations in the world.

“Basic research is the key driver of innovation,” said Gruss. “The knowledge that we will gain from the Max Planck Florida Institute will create a basis for revolutionary innovations – the foundation on which the world of tomorrow will be built. With the support of Palm Beach County and the state of Florida, this new campus will enable us to fulfill our mission of conducting research at the highest level of quality and excellence.”

Attending the event were dignitaries such as Jens Hanefeld, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission for the German Embassy in Washington, D.C.; State Representative Carl Domino; State Representative Maria Sachs; Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners Karen Marcus, Burt Aaronson, Priscilla Taylor; Jeff Koons, Shelley Vana and Jess Santamaria; Chancellor of the State University System Frank Brogan; Dr. Mary Jane Saunders, president of Florida Atlantic University; Town of Jupiter Mayor Karen Golonka; Palm Beach Gardens Mayor David Levy; and Kelly Smallridge, President of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

The Max Planck Florida Institute is currently operating in a 40,000-square-foot temporary facility on the MacArthur Campus, with a wide scope of scientific research underway. The Digital Neuroanatomy group, under the direction of 1991 Nobel Laureate in Medicine Dr. Bert Sakmann, is conducting a program dedicated to creating a three-dimensional map of the normal brain. The Molecular Neurobiology group, under the direction of Dr. Samuel M. Young, Jr. is studying synapses – the highly specialized contact points in the brain where neurons pass electrical and chemical signals to one another. Additional research groups are ready to start their operations in July and September. Collectively, these research approaches will provide fundamental impulses that can open up new technological possibilities in medical diagnostics and care for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, mental retardation and others.
 
The New Research Facility

Designed by the Washington, DC office of ZGF Architects LLP (ZGF), the new research facility for the Max Planck Florida Institute will provide a state-of-the-art home for the scientists and research teams. The building is designed to accommodate nearly 58,000-square-feet of laboratory space that will house wet and dry bench research, instrumentation labs, computational research, core imaging facilities and microscope suites, information technology services and offices for researchers and support staff.

The scientific facilities will be organized into three research wings, including six guest labs to facilitate collaborative research with the scientific community in the field. Conference rooms, a 100-seat auditorium, lounges and administration offices are centrally located around an open lobby that connects all three floor levels. A large atrium is directly connected to an outdoor terrace on the second floor and provides a central gathering space. Building features also include tropical landscaping, outdoor seating, a 230-space surface parking lot and pedestrian-friendly pathways connecting the Max Planck Florida Institute to neighboring buildings on the FAU campus.
 
Environmental Stewards

The Max Planck Florida Institute will set a high standard for sustainable laboratory design in South Florida, consuming the least amount of energy possible. Laboratory and office spaces have large windows facing due north for maximum daylight, and south-facing offices have external sunshades calibrated to provide ample daylight while minimizing heat and glare. All areas include an air-conditioning zoning strategy that reduces loads. There are also mechanical systems with state-of-the-art energy recovery wheels to capture useable energy from building exhaust. Another feature is the recycling of moisture removed in the process of dehumidification that contributes to the building’s cooling system. Additionally, landscaping will be drought-tolerant native species and irrigation will be provided by a municipal reclaimed water system.
 
Economic and Community Impact

An economic study anticipates that the Max Planck Florida Institute will support the creation of more than 1,800 jobs --- both directly and indirectly --- over the next two decades, and generate more than $2 billion in economic activity. The Institute received significant funding from both the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development’s Innovation Incentive Fund ($94.1 million) and Palm Beach County ($86.9 million), $60 million of which is dedicated to the construction of the new research facility. In addition, FAU contributed to the project with a 50-year rent-free lease on the six-acre site (valued at $6.3 million) and the Town of Jupiter with $260,000 in waived impact fees. This dedication of almost $190 million illustrates the community’s commitment to the future of science.

The Max Planck Florida Institute will also have a tremendous impact on education around the state and beyond. Students will be presented with some of the finest science-related programs and opportunities anywhere in the country. Plans are in development for internship and mentor programs, plus regular lectures by leading international scientists and researchers.

Construction on the new building is expected to be completed by early 2012.