October 11th, 2023

Brock University’s New Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Lab Celebrates its Grand Opening

October 11, 2023 – We are pleased to share that Brock University’s new Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute held its grand opening on Oct. 11.

A partnership between the University and the Federal Government, the new facility is designed to leverage Brock’s academic expertise with private sector investments and regional partnerships to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Ontario’s growing regional bioproducts, bioscience, bio-agriculture, and advanced chemical manufacturing sectors.

“The legacy of this building is possibility and potential,” says Paul Zelisko, Ph.D., Director, Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping, and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI). “Possibility is really what the building offers us, in the equipment we’ve be able to bring in and the science this building was designed to house. We are so excited to see how it moves forward and develops over time.”

The two-storey addition to Inniskillin Hall adds upgraded laboratory space, a training lab, and mobilization areas as well as a large space to host industry and community events. Together with energy-efficient equipment and building systems, this is a flexible workspace that showcases forward-facing science, combined with enhanced safety provisions commensurate with industry best practice and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

“These are unique designs where form is important but function is the most critical. Its science had to be the hero,” says Drew Hauser, Director Design & Business Development at mcCallumSather. “It’s rewarding to see the institute now come to life; to know the labs are working well for its team but to also know it’s an equally enjoyable place for them to work.”

mcCallumSather was prime architect on the project, and provided specialized laboratory design, interior design and mechanical engineering on the project, with the support of WSP for structural and civil, Seguin Engineering Inc. for electrical and GSP for Landscape.

Read more about the project here: Brock University, Validating, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute – mcCallumSather