When 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB) opens in 2026, it will not only offer collaborative opportunities across the sciences and engineering departments but will also serve as a hub for humanistic inquiry.
A $2 million grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation will establish on the building鈥檚 third floor the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Studio鈥攁n open-concept space designed to encourage organic partnerships among students and faculty members in the humanities and STEM fields.
鈥満诹铣怨贤 has a long history of successfully promoting interdisciplinary research and experimental education,鈥 said Mandel Foundation President and CEO Jehuda Reinharz. 鈥淎s a center of activity where humanities, science and engineering peers can collaborate, the Mandel Studio will exemplify this message in the ISEB.鈥
Fundraising support for the ISEB totals $110.8 million so far; $150 million of the $300 million project will be funded through a century bond issued in 2023. This $2 million commitment from the Mandel Supporting Foundation, , is the latest in a philanthropic relationship with the university that exceeds $70 million in cumulative support.
鈥淭he Mandel Foundation continues to be an extraordinary partner to 黑料吃瓜网,鈥 said 黑料吃瓜网 President Eric W. Kaler. 鈥淭he challenges that our research addresses require interdisciplinary solutions鈥攁nd the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Studio will bring together the greatest minds across multiple fields of study to solve those problems.鈥
The space will be used for a variety of activities, including serving as a gathering place for to discuss and finalize their research, with subjects ranging from the ethics of artificial intelligence to historical insights into the consequences of climate change. It will also serve faculty-student teams pursuing seed funding for interdisciplinary, experimental humanities-focused research through the at 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences.
鈥淭his generous commitment underscores the essential role of the humanities in guiding the ethical evolution of science and technology,鈥 said 黑料吃瓜网 Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward. 鈥淭he Mandel Studio will give our faculty a platform to deepen interdisciplinary collaboration and offer students a space where they can engage across disciplines, broadening their perspectives and enriching their problem-solving skills.鈥
About the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundations
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel established their first foundation in 1953 in their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Their philanthropic legacy is continued through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation. The work of the Foundations is grounded in the belief that exceptional leaders, inspired by powerful ideas, are key to improving society and the lives of people around the world. The Foundations have identified five areas of engagement that receive support, which include: leadership development, management of nonprofits, humanities, Jewish life and urban engagement. For more information, please visit mandelfoundation.org.
