Investing in Rhode Island’s Future: The New Frontier of Biomedical Sciences and Cybersecurity
Approval of Question 2 will invest $87.5 million for the construction of a University of Rhode Island biomedical sciences building, and $73 million for renovations and modernizations to transform Whipple Hall into a dedicated home for Rhode Island College’s Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies.
On November 5, Vote Yes on Question 2!
Why invest in these areas?
- Accelerate important advances and scientific breakthroughs
- Build hubs of innovation that will help drive the state’s economy
- Create high-wage, high-demand jobs here in Rhode Island
As the state’s flagship public research university, URI is leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical sciences, including the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and ALS, aging-related illness, and other central nervous system disorders
However, a lack of adequate research facilities on the Kingston Campus currently limits the advances that can be made.
To meet this challenge, planning is underway for a new biomedical sciences building, creating state-of-the-art laboratory space that will expand opportunities for critical medical discoveries and assist in additional research funding.
At the same time, thousands of students studying in life science fields at URI will join an educated, highly-skilled workforce that will attract life sciences companies to Rhode Island.
The state-of-the-art facility will also allow URI to attract millions of dollars from federal grants and private companies to pursue important biomedical breakthroughs.
The new building will provide opportunities for collaboration between researchers in pharmaceutical science and pharmacology, engineering, nursing, biology, and a range of other sciences.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing, most strategically important industries in the United States today. Rhode Island College’s new Cyber Institute is preparing students to defend public and private data, networks, and computer systems that we all use every day.
But the technology required to support RIC’s cybersecurity & emerging technologies program does not currently exist on campus.
Approving Question 2 would allow Whipple Hall, built in 1958, to be renovated with state-of-the-art computer labs, dedicated cyber range facilities, classrooms equipped with the latest technology, secure data centers, faculty offices and collaborative workspaces.
Today, there is a high demand for people with the skills to fill cybersecurity jobs and a limited supply of cyber professionals. RIC students will be highly prepared to serve the growing need in the state, regional and across the national – and the globe.
Students will gain hands on experience through the technologies at the new cybersecurity center.
Endorsements
On November 5, Vote Yes on Question 2!
Paid for by Rhode Islanders for Higher Education, Kathy Goulding, President
73 Upper College Rd., Kingston, RI
Top Five Donors: University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement; Rhode Island College Foundation; BuildRI; American Association of University Professors/PAC; Rhode Island College chapter of, RIC/aft, American Federation of Teachers.
Vote Yes on 2 