The new William Eckhardt Research Center at the University of Chicago will host a broad spectrum of 21st-century science, from investigation of the deepest cosmic mysteries to manipulations of matter on the scale of atoms and molecules.

The innovative interdisciplinary research center, designed by HOK, was formally dedicated on Oct. 29 on the university’s main campus south of downtown Chicago. The 277,000-sq.-ft. building, which opened in September, is named for alumnus William Eckhardt, S.M.’70, in recognition of his generous support of the Physical Sciences Division and the university. It includes state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, conference rooms, a 150-seat conference facility and a café.