NJIT Partners with NEST to Drive Life Science and Tech Advancements
Rendering of 15 NEST, the future home of NJIT's Translational Research facility. All images: Courtesy of the HOK Group
The Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center has announced the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) as its first academic partner, marking a major step in creating a hub for life science, technology, and pharmaceutical research. NJIT will establish the NJIT @ NEST Center for Translational Research, occupying 25,000 square feet at the NEST campus in Kenilworth, NJ, to drive innovation in fields like life sciences, biomedical engineering, AI, and more.
This partnership aligns with NJIT's strategic plan to advance impactful research and innovation, while supporting New Jersey’s leadership in technology and life sciences. NJIT will inhabit lab space formerly occupied by pharmaceutical company Merck. CRB has been selected to provide lab planning and design services.
This project builds on recent developments at the NEST campus, including CoreWeave establishing an AI co-location data center at the 11 NEST building and Revlon moving its Science and Innovation Lab to part of the 15 NEST building. The presence of CoreWeave and NJIT on the campus bolsters NJIT's advancements in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics, positioning the university as a leader in AI innovation within higher education. Read more about Revlon’s lab space at the NEST campus in this exclusive Lab Design News interview.
Lab Design News spoke to Matthew Flath, vice president of asset management at real estate firm Onyx Equities, about NJIT’s lab space and its implications for the NEST campus.
Q: What steps are being taken to ensure the lab space at NEST is fully equipped for the specific research needs of NJIT’s Translational Research Center?
A: Being that the lab space at NEST was built and constantly updated by Merck to a very high standard and specifications that can handle all the small and large molecule research focuses that NJIT will be pursuing.
Q: What accommodations are being made to ensure NJIT’s students and researchers have a seamless move into the new space?
A: To ensure a seamless transition, we are working closely with NJIT's leadership, faculty, and facilities teams. Key accommodations include:
Advanced infrastructure: State-of-the-art utilities such as robust HVAC systems, advanced electrical setups, and adaptable lab furniture have been installed to support cutting-edge research.
Logistical support: We’re providing dedicated move-in support, including on-site coordination teams, to assist with equipment delivery, installation, and calibration.
IT integration: Our team is working to align NEST's IT and networking infrastructure with NJIT’s existing systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and collaboration.
Aerial rendering of the southern half of the Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center facing Southwest, which showcases conceptual plans for the campus including enhanced power capabilities, the construction of several new buildings, and upgraded campus amenities.
Q: How will NJIT’s research programs at NEST integrate with existing facilities and equipment on NJIT’s main campus?
A: The NEST facility will be designed as an extension of NJIT's main campus, promoting integration and collaboration. Specific measures include:
Shared access: NJIT researchers will have secure, remote access to shared data and computational resources between NEST and the main campus.
Transport links: A streamlined logistics protocol will be established to facilitate the transport of samples, equipment, and personnel between campuses.
Complementary capabilities: NEST’s facilities complement NJIT’s main campus by housing specialized lab, providing an environment for advanced experimentation and innovation.
Q: What role will NJIT faculty and students have in customizing the lab environments to suit their specific project requirements?
A: NJIT’s faculty and students have played a central role in shaping their lab environments at NEST:
Collaborative planning: Prior to construction, NJIT teams were actively engaged in space planning to align with the diverse needs of their research disciplines.
Modular designs: The labs are designed with modularity in mind, allowing for quick reconfiguration to adapt to different research projects.
Feedback: Ongoing feedback from NJIT researchers will ensure the spaces remain flexible and responsive to evolving project requirements.
Q: What training or orientation programs will be provided for NJIT students and staff to familiarize them with the facilities at NEST?
A: To ensure that NJIT's students and researchers are fully equipped to maximize their use of NEST's facilities, we plan to offer the following:
Facility tours: Guided tours of the labs, shared spaces, and specialized equipment areas.
Safety training: Workshops on lab safety protocols and emergency procedures specific to the NEST campus.
Equipment onboarding: Hands-on training sessions for researchers to familiarize themselves with specialized equipment and systems unique to NEST.
Resource access training: Tutorials on accessing shared resources, IT systems, and collaborative tools.
Aerial rendering of the Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center facing South, which showcases conceptual plans for the campus, including enhanced power capabilities, the construction of several new buildings, and upgraded campus amenities.
Q: How will the lab spaces at NEST be designed to accommodate future expansions or evolving research needs at NJIT?
A: NJIT will be able to leverage NEST’s existing vivarium and biomanufacturing space to grow its research initiatives. NEST also has additional chemistry and biology lab space that is proximate to its space for NJIT or its affiliated programs to expand into.
Q: How were the lab spaces at NEST designed to be immediately usable by academic and industry partners?
A: Merck, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, built the lab space at NEST to a very high standard and specification that can handle all the small and large molecule research focuses that accommodate academic and for-profit research endeavors. Ownership is building upon Merck’s substantial investment by upgrading all common areas and building systems for a first-class, research-focused tenant experience.
Q: What sustainability initiatives are being incorporated into the NEST campus to support environmentally conscious operations for tenants like NJIT?
A: Sustainability is a core focus. Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and water-saving technologies will be integrated into the larger NEST campus. We’re also working with existing tenants, such as Revlon, to incorporate green chemistry principles in their R&D processes and plan for recycling programs to minimize waste.
Q: What zoning or regulatory considerations were addressed to make NEST a ready-to-use life sciences campus?
A: Its existing zoning allows for a world-class research facility inclusive of both R&D.
