Imagining Possibilities Without Boundaries
Two decades have passed since the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology opened a new era of research on the University of Illinois campus. To commemorate the science and people that have helped make this one of the leading interdisciplinary research centers in the country, the Beckman Institute will hold several events throughout the year. We have also created this special Web site to chronicle the history, present, and future of the Institute, as well as tell the stories of those who have helped make this a unique research facility.
The first major public event was a 20th Anniversary Celebration held on April 16. This public affair celebrated the official opening of the building in 1989.
The second major event will be a two-day scientific symposium to be held October 5-7. The symposium will feature current and former Beckman researchers and officials, as well as nationally-known scientists, taking part in a two-day event that looks at the past impact and current future directions for the Institute. Those wishing to register for the 20th Anniversary Symposium, which is free and open to the public, can do so here.
Tamer Başar, Interim Director of the Beckman Institute, said the 20th Anniversary provides us with the opportunity to remember and honor the two decades of wide-ranging scientific discovery that has taken place here.
“We are very excited to be celebrating 20 fantastic years of science and technology at the Beckman Institute,” Başar said. “It is amazing to reflect on the incredible depth and breadth of what has been accomplished by our faculty, staff, and students.”
Over the year we will use this special 20th Anniversary site to spotlight people such as the founding fathers of the Institute, the researchers whose work give it life, and the support staff members who play vital roles in ensuring success, in stories and in images.
We will also recount the history of how the Beckman Institute came to be, and record the memories and thoughts of those who have contributed to it over the years. If you wish to contribute your reflections on the Beckman Institute, please do so using the link to the right.
Please come back to this site during the year to check for updates on events and to read about the 20 years and counting of successful interdisciplinary research at the Beckman Institute.
For more information contact Sue Johnson at .
Beckman Institute 20th Anniversary Planning Committee