The French Family Science Center - named for Duke trustee and alumnae Melinda French Gates and family - consists of state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories for genomics, biological chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, physical biology and bioinformatics. The building brings together several disciplines, providing space for the departments of chemistry, biology, biological anthropology, anatomy and physics. The Center was designed to fit its specific location and to serve the five surrounding buildings. The project received LEED Silver Certification through comprehensive strategies for site sustainability, water use reduction, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly materials.
