Dalhousie University is pleased to announce the development of the new Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity in honour of entrepreneur and conservationist Mr. Ross Beaty and his family. This first-of-its-kind ocean research and discovery centre is made possible by a generous $8.2-million donation courtesy of the Beaty family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity will be developed in collaboration with Discovery Centre International<\/a>. It will be located on the first and second floors of Dalhousie University\u2019s Steele Ocean Sciences Building<\/a>. The centre will be an interactive ocean-focused science and discovery centre for both the Dalhousie community and the public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are grateful for the Beaty family\u2019s generosity and Discovery Centre International\u2019s collaboration on this unique project,\u201d said Dr. Frank Harvey, president and vice-chancellor (acting) of Dalhousie University. \u201cTheir support exemplifies what is possible when people and organizations with a shared passion and vision come together as a team to make great work happen. The ocean research centre we are creating \u2014 and the learning, research and outreach that will take place there \u2014 will not only benefit our students, our researchers, and our community members, but also our country and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEducation and awareness about marine biodiversity are crucial to support informed action to protect it, particularly in light of today\u2019s twin crises of global warming and species extinction,\u201d said donor Ross Beaty. \u201cI am pleased to support Dalhousie University\u2019s efforts to share its extensive expertise in marine science through the creation of this centre.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity will create new hands-on learning opportunities to enrich the experiences of undergraduate and graduate students. The centre will be available and accessible to members of the public and feature interactive displays that showcase Dal\u2019s ocean-related research \u2013 and solutions that are addressing the world\u2019s marine biodiversity crisis. Exhibits will target school-aged children grade six and up, adults, Nova Scotia visitors and the Dalhousie community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is an exciting project for Dalhousie,\u201d said Dr. Charles Macdonald, Dean of Dalhousie University\u2019s Faculty of Science. \u201cThis new innovative and interactive ocean education centre will not only be setting our students up for success in their chosen careers, but it will also allow us to share our research with the community in ways that were not possible before. It will inspire people to think differently about the ocean and how they interact with it. And it will empower them to take action \u2014 to protect the ocean, its species and its delicate ecosystems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 8,000-square-foot centre will feature more than 60 exhibits, including the skeleton of a 63-foot blue whale, which will be mounted to the atrium of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building<\/a>. Visitors will also have access to a life-size kelp forest, a climate change sphere, educational displays about species facing extinction, and aquaria filled with the diverse plant life and animals that live off Nova Scotia\u2019s coast. The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity will also feature the Mi\u2019kmaq concept of Netukulimk\u2014a profound way of knowing and living in balance with Wskitqamu, or the earth, and one another, in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discovery Centre International\u2019s expertise in engaging youth through interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is pivotal in bringing Dal\u2019s new Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are thrilled to be collaborating with Dalhousie on this exciting initiative,\u201d said Dov Bercovici, president of Discovery Centre International<\/a> in Halifax. \u201cWe look forward to showcasing Dal\u2019s vital work in marine biodiversity conservation, including how this world-leading ocean research university is making waves not just locally, but also nationally and internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Construction of the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is scheduled to begin in January 2024 and be completed by early 2025. The total cost of the centre is $12.2 million. Along with the generous support from Mr. Beaty, the university will be raising a remaining $4 million through philanthropic<\/strong> support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Media Contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kristen Lipscombe, HBA, BJ (she\/her) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dalhousie University<\/p>\n\n\n\n