The Giessen -Friedberg University of Applied Sciences wants to quickly find a replacement for the laboratory of the Institute for Biopharmaceutical Technology, which was destroyed by a water leak at the end of June.
An initial assessment has revealed that renovating the single-story building is not possible. Damage to laboratory equipment amounts to €350,000.
The damage caused by the cancellation of numerous research and development projects is difficult to quantify. The experiments, most of which were quite advanced, need to be restarted. The university has been able to find some external laboratories where this can be done at short notice. According to estimates by the university's president, Prof. Dr. Günther Grabatin, it is highly likely that all projects could continue and be back to their pre-water-damage status within nine months. Third-party funding from clients will then resume. Grabatin estimates the interim costs – primarily for personnel – at €450,000. "Together with the replacement costs for equipment, we therefore need €800,000 in the short term. The Hessian Ministry of Science and Art has promised us unbureaucratic assistance. We will be holding discussions about this in Wiesbaden later today," the president announced.
A permanent solution for the laboratory will be significantly more expensive. The university plans to construct the necessary new building, with 700 square meters of laboratory space and offices, on Gutfleischstrasse. The costs are estimated at 8 million euros. The president also intends to negotiate this with the ministry. Grabatin stated that the new building could be completed as early as next summer semester. He acknowledged that this is an ambitious goal and can only be achieved if decisions are made quickly and no unforeseen delays occur.
Grabatin believes he can give the all-clear regarding teaching. He expects that all planned courses can be offered in the coming winter semester, so there will be no delays in the course of study. Following discussions with the two universities in Central Hesse and companies in the region, the institute can utilize their laboratories for practical courses. The president, together with Prof. Dr. Harald Platen, Dean of the Department of Hospital and Medical Technology, Environmental and Biotechnology, will inform the affected students about the organization of the winter semester's courses at a general meeting next week.