UMBI will operate science education programs scheduled at the Columbus Center

April 13, 1998--The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) will assume responsibility, effective immediately, for all science education programs at the Columbus Center, through June.

UMBI and the University System will work closely with the Columbus Center Development Board to "insure the continued success of the Columbus Center's teaching programs," notes Board Chair James T. Brady.

"We have a strong commitment to the elementary, middle, and high school teachers and students throughout the state who plan to participate in the educational programming at the Columbus Center," says Dr. Rita Colwell, UMBI president. "The Center of Marine Biotechnology, which has been highly involved in the development and delivery of the Columbus Center's hands-on science education programs, will now take on full responsibility. We're happy that we will able to provide these students with an excellent scientific learning experience." COMB, a world-renowned research laboratory devoted to the application of molecular biology and molecular genetics to marine organisms and to aquaculture, moved into the Center in April 1995 and currently occupies about two-thirds of the 257,000 square foot facility.

"Research and education are key elements of the Columbus Center's special mission," says Dr. Yonathan Zohar, COMB director. He notes that COMB faculty and staff have worked closely with the Christopher Columbus Center Development education staff on several education programs. "In particular, we have been very involved with the Science and Technology Education Center," he adds. SciTEC provides advanced hands-on science experiences, based on research currently taking place at COMB, to students and their teachers. Some of the CCD education specialists, whose positions have been eliminated by CCD, will be hired by COMB to help with SciTEC and other educational activities, says Zohar.

More than 100 school groups are scheduled to take part in science programs at the Center through June 30. "Our research activities at the center are flourishing," Colwell reports. "We are working to obtain funding to continue the innovative programming SciTEC provides for science education."

Located on Piers 5 and 6 at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Columbus Center was designed as a national resource for marine biotechnology research, education, and exhibition. Eighty percent of the Center is allocated to research space. Educational programming has been offered in exhibit space area for the past several months. For more information on Columbus Center educational programs, call 410/234-8800.