The IPN Lab Comes to Life

In November, we shared that the IPN Lab found a new home within the Chemistry Building. Since then, it’s been all hands on deck to purchase, unwrap, and install our new equipment. The space is really starting to come together. We’ve also welcomed a steady stream of experts to train all our students and postdocs on these state-of-the-art tools, including a new high content imager, scintillation counter, plate readers, and more!

Preparing the lab for full-time use has been a genuine team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped turn the IPN’s new space into a hub for innovation and cutting-edge research. Our lab space would not exist without the dedication of university leadership, contractors, builders, safety officers, custodial staff, facilities and maintenance teams, architects, administrators, IT specialists, researchers, students, and many more who contributed their expertise and hard work.

On October 24^th the IPN and the Chemistry Department welcomed donors, alumni, students, and folks from the community to the grand opening of this new building. We welcomed over 100 people, provided tours, panels, and networking opportunities as we celebrated this milestone for UC Davis research. Visitors had the chance to explore not only the new IPN laboratory, but also the Chemistry Department’s meeting spaces, student areas, and shared research facilities each designed to inspire collaboration and discovery.

The opening wasn’t just a celebration, it was a look ahead at what’s possible. For the Institute, this building represents the foundation for discoveries that could redefine how we understand and treat mental illness. For students, it’s a place to learn, experiment, and be part of something that has the potential to change lives. Thank you to everyone who helped make the night a roaring success.