Defense

Remodel Strengthens Defense Research

Behlen Laboratory – once considered for demolition – has been transformed into a modern facility that amps up the university’s national defense research.

The former physics building’s flexible new design accommodates a variety of research disciplines. It was specially constructed to meet the high-level security needs of defense-related research, a key growth area for Nebraska research.

“Behlen Laboratory is Nebraska’s new home to critical research that will contribute to efforts to protect our nation and armed forces,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said.

Nebraska researchers participate in numerous defense-related research projects funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and private industry. Researchers affiliated with the University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute, a partnership with U.S. Strategic Command dedicated to combating weapons of mass destruction, also will use Behlen Laboratory.

The 32,095-square-foot building includes six dedicated lab spaces, conference rooms and support areas. The six labs were designed for maximum flexibility to meet future research needs. Nebraska’s Extreme Light Laboratory is in the basement.

Electronic card scanners secure the entire building, from the front door to individual labs, allowing access only to approved researchers, faculty, staff and students.

The renovation, which began in 2012, features a complete redesign of the interior and exterior, converting Behlen from a concrete monolith in the 1960s Brutalist style to a contemporary glass and metal building ready for the future.