Student and faculty researchers at Nipissing University have a brand new facility in which to learn, study and work toward creating new knowledge.

The university recently completed construction on the $8.6 million Academic and Research Complex.  The new building supports the university’s goal of enhancing the research culture, for faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. 

An official opening is being held on Friday, November 27, though the complex has been in use since September.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) supported the expansion with a contribution of $1 million and FedNor assisted with $500,000 toward the project funding requirements.

The three-storey, 26,000 square-foot building houses state-of-the art classrooms, seminar rooms, research laboratories and faculty offices for researchers in the areas of Biology, Education, History, Geography and Psychology.

“This is an exciting occasion for Nipissing University and we thank NOHFC and FedNor for their continued support in providing facilities that we can be proud of for generations to come,” said Vicky Paine-Mantha, vice-president finance and administration.  “The Academic and Research Complex is a valuable addition to the university that eases some of our research space issues, while providing modern and appropriate facilities for our faculty researchers and their graduate and honours students.  The new wing will also aid Nipissing in attracting top students and faculty to study, work and research here.”

“Research is absolutely vital for any university today and this new complex significantly enhances Nipissing’s capacity to engage in research,” said Errol Aspevig, vice-president academic and research.  “At its best, research fuels the creation of new knowledge and captures the imagination of students to seek further answers through continued investigation.  This new complex provides additional space in which that type of synergy can thrive.”

“I am delighted to celebrate the opening of the Academic and Research Complex and to see it running at full capacity,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.  “This Complex will position Nipissing University as a university at the cutting edge and will serve to attract many bright students for years to come.”

In constructing the research and academic wing, the university endeavoured to include features that would make the building energy efficient and more responsive to the environment.  Some examples of the “green construction” features include:

• Domestic hot water is produced via gas-fired high efficiency cast-iron boilers with low nitrogen-oxide output, rather than conventional hot water heaters
• Ductless air conditioning units are charged with R410 green refrigerant, producing higher efficiency and electrical savings
• High efficiency lights with energy saving T8 and T5 lamps and latest generation electronic ballasts are installed
• The white roof reflects sunlight, reduces heat transmission and cooling load      
• Extra insulation has been provided in the walls and roof to reduce heating and cooling load
• Where possible, exterior walls feature windows that open for natural ventilation