NEW YORK, October 31, 2002 – New York University School of Medicine will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the beginning of construction on a new 13-story biomedical research center. The research center will be a state-of-the-art facility and contain 230,000 square feet of space, including 110,000 square feet for laboratories.

Robert M. Glickman, M.D., Dean of the NYU School of Medicine, said that the new research center will be the centerpiece of the school's efforts to maintain its leadership in biomedical research for years to come. "With our growing knowledge of human genetics and advances in technology, the next 20 years will be among the most promising in the history of medicine," Glickman said. "This new research center will allow NYU scientists to conduct research that will expand our understanding of cancer, cardiac and vascular diseases, infectious diseases, and other fields of science," Glickman said. "Our goal is to take the results of this research and influence the way physicians treat their patients," he said.

The building construction will be funded by a combination of state bonds and philanthropy, led by a generous gift from Joel E. Smilow, former Chairman, CEO, and President of Playtex Products Inc. The building will be named "The Joan and Joel Smilow Research Center."

Facing the East River next to FDR Drive, the research center will provide a striking new architectural addition to the NYU School of Medicine and the other buildings that comprise the NYU Medical Center on First Avenue between 30th Street and 34th Street. It will contain a modern curtain wall system that will provide transparency and allow natural sunlight to flow into the structure. The research center will contain 13 floors of space for laboratories, conferences, and classrooms, as well as a commons area and landscaped courtyard. The research center was designed by the architectural firm of Mitchell/Giurgola, LLP.

Also attending the groundbreaking ceremony will be John Sexton, President of New York University, Kenneth G. Langone, Chairman of the NYU School of Medicine's Foundation Board of Trustees, and Martin Lipton, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NYU; and Joan and Joel Smilow.

Members of the press are invited to attend the ceremony and reception. Parking will be provided and architectural renderings of the building are available. Meet in the main lobby of NYU Medical Center, 550 First Avenue at 32nd Street at 3 pm.