A global research university of the highest caliber, NYU is defined by the innovative thinkers who populate its community. Together, our scholars push the frontiers of nearly every academic discipline.
Nowhere is this more the case than at NYU's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology. In less than a decade, the field of genomics has emerged as the most important area in the biological sciences, and has already led to key discoveries impacting the environment, food sustainability, and human health.
Thanks to recent hires of the world's leading genomics researchers, NYU is at the forefront of this cutting-edge science. But in order to continue to build in this rapidly evolving field, our scientists need facilities to match their extraordinary talents.
The revolutionary new Center for Genomics and Systems Biology planned for 12-16 Waverly Place is at the very heart of NYU's Washington Square campus. It will give our professors, researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students the tools they need to unleash the full potential of their research and to remain at the forefront of their field. While key sources of funding for ongoing research projects have already been secured, building these facilities will require the support and generosity of our entire University community.
In recent years the field of genomics has emerged as one of the most important areas in science. In the past, scientists sought to unlock the mysteries of DNA by examining only one gene at a time; the new and rapidly expanding field of genomics seeks to uncover the complex interactions between genes holisitically and to understand how the genome sets up the ÒsystemÓ that drives cellular and organismal functions.
With rapid technological advances allowing scientists to gather ever-greater amounts of data in shorter and shorter periods of time, staying at the forefront of inquiry in genomics requires a heavy and consistent investment in talent and infrastructure. Yet while the cost is great, the potential rewards are even greater. Not only has NYUÕs innovative and committed approach garnered international acclaim, it has already led to tangible benefits for medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Not since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953 has there been such a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.
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Gloria Coruzzi An Environmental Legacy Carroll & Milton Petrie Professor Chair, Department of Biology |
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Fabio Piano A Lifesaving Proposition Associate Professor of Biology |
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Michael Purugganan A Humanitarian Impact Dorothy Schiff Professor of Genomics |
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Edo Kussell A Theoretical Approach Assistant Professor of Biology |
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Gloria Coruzzi An Environmental Legacy Carroll & Milton Petrie Professor Chair, Department of Biology |
Her research:
Combining genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology approaches, Coruzzi's research focuses on identifying the gene regulatory networks in plants involved in controlling nitrogen use and the evolution of seeds.
Practical applications of her work:
Coruzzi's discoveries are already being applied to commercial crops to make them more efficient in absorbing nitrogen from the soil. This means plants can grow faster and stronger using less fertilizer, lowering costs for farmers and decreasing environmental pollution.
What excites her most about the Genomics Center:
"The Center will be a place where faculty and students from many disciplines can come together. At other institutions, the wet bench scientists and computational scientists work separately. At NYU, this will be the way of the past."
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Fabio Piano A Lifesaving Proposition Associate Professor of Biology |
His research:
Piano's lab seeks to decipher how the genome sets up a functioning biological system that is capable of directing complex processes such as embryogenesis in animals, and the genomic evolutionary mechanisms that shape differences across species as well as normal versus disease states.
Practical applications of his work:
Many of the genetic networks found by Piano's research on C. elegans have counterpoints in humans that can cause diseases like cancer when mutated. His work can help identify the mechanistic cause of complex diseases like cancer or embryonic and developmental abnormalities.
Why he works at NYU:
"There is a unique energy at NYU that fosters new and bold ideas and a shoot for the stars attitude," says Piano. "NYU has a vibrant breadth of science that brings experts from many disciplines together to exchange ideas and chart completely new territories. This is the key reason why genome science and systems biology thrives here."
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Michael Purugganan A Humanitarian Impact Dorothy Schiff Professor of Genomics |
Why he came to NYU:
"When I chose to come to NYU, I told my research lab, 'We're going to learn something here.' I was amazed at the dynamism of the group here, and how people were thinking of problems in biology. It's a great intellectual environment with less traditional thinking. This institution is moving science forward. Visitors come away from NYU knowing that we're doing something special."
His research:
Looking at both rice plants and the wild mustard weed Arabidopsis, Purugganan is working to understand more about the process of evolution. By learning about how the first cultivators of rice altered its genome 10,000 years ago to increase yield, Purugganan's work can help scientists learn how to further alter the genome in order to increase harvests.
His goal:
"If I can say that I contributed in some small way to assuring food sustainability for the people of the third world, then I will be extremely proud of that."
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Edo Kussell A Theoretical Approach Assistant Professor of Biology |
His research:
Kussell uses theoretical and computational modeling methods to study the evolution of bacteria, looking both at gene regulatory networks and environmental factors.
His choice:
With his background in physics, some may be surprised by Kussell's decision to join the biology department at NYU. But for Kussell, the possibility of working in such an open, interdisciplinary setting was a powerful draw. "There's just something in the air at NYU. People are exchanging ideas and talking about different projects. This is an environment that will be beneficial to both students and professors."
His goal:
To put his physics training to work in the field of biology. "Biology is a playground for physicists. You can begin anywhere."
In recent years the field of genomics has emerged as one of the most important areas in science. In the past, scientists sought to unlock the mysteries of DNA by examining only one gene at a time; the new and rapidly expanding field of genomics seeks to uncover the complex interactions between genes holisitically and to understand how the genome sets up the "system" that drives cellular and organismal functions.
With rapid technological advances allowing scientists to gather ever-greater amounts of data in shorter and shorter periods of time, staying at the forefront of inquiry in genomics requires a heavy and consistent investment in talent and infrastructure. Yet while the cost is great, the potential rewards are even greater. Not only has NYU's innovative and committed approach garnered international acclaim, it has already led to tangible benefits for medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Not since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953 has there been such a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.
Notable Elements of
the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology
Expected completion - Spring 2010
- A rooftop greenhouse, essential for furthering research on crops that need intense sunlight
- Custom-built research benches that can be adapted for a wide variety of experiments, changing along with the scientists' needs
- Integrated lab spaces that will have computational scientists working side by side with wet bench scientists, fostering a collaborative interdisciplinary approach not found at other institutions
- State-of-the-art ground floor classroom space facilitating easy access for students
- Seven stories of laboratory and meeting space designed as a hub for the exchange of ideas
- The historic facade of the building will remain intact, preserving the look and feel of the neighborhood.
- Cutting-edge robots and research tools for gathering and interpreting vast quantities of data
EVERY GIFT HELPS US GROW
Contributions of every size will help make the Genomics Center a reality. Whether large or small, every contribution brings us closer to making our tremendous vision for the building a reality. When you make your gift, you will be helping our outstanding students and professors explore the fullest potential of the field of genomics and the endless possibilities its study offers.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
The new Genomics Center offers numerous naming possibilities, allowing interested donors to participate in the advancement of science at NYU in a truly meaningful way. The building's special naming opportunities include:
 Building | $25 million |
| Three Loft Lab Research Suites | $10 million each |
| 8th Floor Genome Core Facility | $10 million |
| Core Organismal Growth Facilities | $5 million |
| Ground Floor Auditorium | $2.5 million |
| Rooftop Greenhouse | $2.5 million |
| Ground Floor Lobby | $1 million |
| Six Bioinformatics Suites | $1 million each |
| Three Genomic and Bioinformatic Classrooms | $500,000 each |
| 8th Floor Conference Room with views of Washington Square Park | $500,000 |
Contact Us
New York University
Faculty of Arts & Science
25 West 4th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012
(212) 998-6944
science.campaign@nyu.edu