Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology

The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an interdisciplinary research institute devoted to leading-edge research in the physical sciences, computation, engineering, biology, behavior, cognition, and neuroscience.

The Institute's primary mission is to foster interdisciplinary work of the highest quality, transcending many of the limitations inherent in traditional university organizations and structures. The Institute was founded on the premise that reducing the barriers between traditional scientific and technological disciplines can yield research advances that more conventional approaches cannot.

Beckman Institute research is focused around four research themes:

• Integrative Imaging
• Intelligent Systems
• Molecular and Electronic Nanostructures

Researchers from University of Illinois departments as far-ranging as psychology, computer science, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, and bioengineering make up Beckman Institute groups. The building offers more than 200 offices; specialized, state-of-the-art laboratories and other facilities; and meeting areas.

The 313,000 square foot building was made possible by a generous gift from U of I alumnus and founder of Beckman Instruments, Inc., Arnold O. Beckman, and his wife Mabel M. Beckman, with a supplement from the State of Illinois. Additionally, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation provides ongoing financial assistance for various Institute and campus programs. Daily operating expenses of the Institute are funded by the state and its research programs are mainly supported by external funding from the federal government, corporations, and foundations.