The home of multiple UW units, the Berry Center, will be saying goodbye to one of its major units, the Biodiversity Institute (BI), on Dec. 31.
“It is true that the Biodiversity Institute supports and runs many of the spaces and programs in and around the Berry Center, but changes to the BI will not mean that the Center will close in any absolute sense,” Interim Director of the Biodiversity Institute, Dr. Gary P. Beauvais, said.
The Biodiversity Institute’s goal since it’s inception in 2012 has been to promote understanding and conservation of biological diversity. Over the years they have done this using research, education and by engaging a broad spectrum of people in the scientific processes.
All other work that takes place in the Berry Center such as WYNDD, SIF, Museum of Vertebrates and auditorium classes will proceed after the Dec. date. There are many other biodiversity-related activities in the Berry Center, as well as significant biodiversity research across campus.
“I think it is safe to say that there will be no unit called ‘the Biodiversity Institute’ after 31 December 2018. But some of the functions and programs that are now run by the BI may continue as parts of other UW units,” Beauvais said.
The 40,000 square foot building houses multiple facilities, students, faculty members and programs centered around the study of biodiversity. The Berry Center was made possible by Bob and Carol Berry through the Wolf Creek Foundation. Their resources have supported the BI since its inception.
They Berry’s resources were joined by a state match to enable the construction of the building. However, the BI is on the path to run out of funds by the end of the calendar year.
“This reliance on a single donor is a well-known vulnerability in the world of externally sponsored programs,” Ed Synakowski, Vice President for Research and Economic Development said. “We’ve developed a plan to preserve the highest priority activities at some level, in part with resources made available through reallocation of the approved budget whose constraints are very tight.”
A town-hall meeting will be held Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center auditorium to discuss the revised plan for the BI and accept final comments.
“I will be talking about and receiving input on a vision for taking a substantial step up in biodiversity research at UW, and in ensuring that the Berry Center remains a vibrant public stage for biodiversity-related activities that serves Wyoming,” Synakowski said.
Synakowski has led the responsibilities of the development of the transition plan, considering input form members of the BI staff, faculty from across campus, other stakeholders and communication from students and citizens. The responses have been informed by UW’s strategic plan, “Breaking Through 2017-2022.”
Following input from the town-hall meeting, a final plan is expected to be presented by the administration to the UW Board of Trustees at its November meeting.
