Description:
The John Edward Porter Neuroscience Research Center (PNRC), located along the western edge of the NIH Bethesda Campus, was built in two phases that total 600,00 gross square feet (gsf). PNRC I, which represents approximately 45% of the facility, was completed in 2004. Seven Institutes now occupy it and collaborate in an array of research laboratories, animal care facilities, imaging suites, offices, and associated support facilities. PNRC II, which was dedicated on March 31, 2014, fulfills the original vision of a state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary biomedical research facility.
PNRC II is comprised of 306,476 gsf (exclusive of interstitial space) and supports the ongoing research activities of 28 principal Investigators spread across seven scientific Institutes. In addition to the open and closed wet laboratories, the building features a greatly expanded basement level vivarium (over 20,000 research animal cages), a new vertical vivarium that stretches through the second floor, imaging suites, vibration stable core areas, hot rooms, cold rooms, a freezer “farm,” and associated scientific staff offices. These spaces are distributed over five floors, each of which aligns with the existing levels of Phase I. Shared amenities include a cafeteria, a four-story sky-lit atrium, a suite of conference and seminar spaces, and public areas for scientific symposia. A spacious, sky lit atrium unites the two phases of the PNRC and amplifies the energy that drives today's neuroscience research. The building also features the latest technologies and offers wireless Internet access throughout.