Oregon Legislature approves funding for Vernier Science Center

The Oregon Legislature approved funding this week for Portland State University’s Vernier Science Center, a state-of-the-art renovation of PSU’s undergraduate science building. Legislators approved funding of $60 million through the sale of state bonds. The university will raise an additional $7.5 million through philanthropy, to complete the $67.5 million project.

Following the renovation, the Vernier Science Center will house flexible classrooms, laboratories and collaborative research and teaching spaces that are critical to multidisciplinary, interactive learning.

The building, currently named Science Building One, will be renamed for Christine and David Vernier who founded the scientific hardware and education software company Vernier Software & Technology. The Verniers are long-time supporters of PSU and pledged $4.5 million for the renovation in January. 

“We are immensely grateful for the Legislature's investment in science education and research at Portland State,” said PSU President Stephen Percy. “The Vernier Science Center transforms a 1960’s relic into a modern, innovative and supportive space for the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs and health professionals.” 

Besides cutting-edge classrooms and laboratories, the Center will also be home to programs supporting first-generation and historically underrepresented minority students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and health-related fields. More than 80 percent of Portland State’s STEM students remain in Oregon after they graduate.

“The renovation of the Vernier Science Center into a culturally affirming, state-of-the-art science center ensures students can access the high-quality research and learning spaces necessary to prepare them for a future in STEM,” said Todd Rosenstiel, the incoming dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “These spaces will enable a greater diversity of students to succeed in and ultimately lead the future of Oregon’s research and discovery workforce.”