Opening the Doors to the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute

Today, I had the pleasure of celebrating the public opening of the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute building on Florida Atlantic’s Jupiter campus. The state-of-the-art, 58,000 square-foot facility ushers in a new era of neuroscience research, education and engagement for the university and its community. With the institute’s principal aim to advance our understanding of brain health, the building will stand as our region’s scientific epicenter to treat and prevent devastating brain and behavioral disorders such as Alzheimer’s, autism and addiction. Additionally, it will function as a collaborative hub for neuroscience to foster connections and serve as a global destination for the world’s brightest scientists and students.

Opening these doors to discovery was made possible by the efforts of our incredible Owls, generous philanthropists and community supporters. We are extremely grateful to David J.S. Nicholson, the Florida Legislature and our many research partners, including the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, for their vision and support. It was with Nicholson’s transformative $10 million gift, compounded by a $35 million state investment, that brought this facility to fruition. We also have Dr. Randy Blakely, executive director of the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, to thank for his strong, strategic leadership since the institute’s inception in 2016.

The celebration today represents a milestone in the institute’s established history of success, but also marks the beginning of many more achievements to come. As our community continues to engage in cutting-edge research, FAU will be looked to as a leader in STEM and neuroscience innovation around the world.