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401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606-13490
(813) 253-3333
Located along the Hillsborough River on UTampa’s downtown campus, the five-story Science Center will feature state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories that foster collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and discovery.
The Science Center represents the most significant academic facility investment in the University’s 94-year history. At 153,000 square feet, the building will serve as the central academic hub for the College of Natural and Health Sciences while supporting science-based coursework across the University. By centralizing science teaching and research spaces that are currently spread across campus, the new facility will enhance connections among students, faculty and disciplines.
Designed with flexibility and future-focused learning in mind, the Science Center will directly prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, sustainability, biotechnology and related sciences. It will house the departments of biology and chemistry and biochemistry, along with programs in forensic science and marine science. The building will also support allied health, computational science, environmental science and other science-driven fields that are critical to today’s workforce.
Construction of the Science Center is supported in part by a significant generational gift from the family of Dr. Stephen F. and Marsha Dickey, longtime supporters of the University. The Dickey family are also the namesakes of the Dickey Health and Wellness Center, which opened in 2011. Dr. Dickey is a trustee emeritus of the UTampa Board of Trustees and was founder, president and CEO of Tampa-based Doctor’s Walk-In Clinic.
The building’s riverfront location highlights UTampa’s strong academic and research ties to the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay, while its views of downtown Tampa underscore the University’s close and enduring relationship with the city.
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the Spring 2026 semester. Construction is set to begin this spring, with the Science Center scheduled to open in Spring 2029.
Riverside Vibe
Science Center Gallery
Click on the images below to view more information.
East-Facing Side
The east-facing side will incorporate glass and contemporary angles to maximize views of the river and downtown Tampa.
West-Facing Side
The west-facing side will feature red brick to complement Plant Hall and surrounding campus buildings.
Outdoor Spaces
The Science Center will include three distinct outdoor spaces:
- Riverside Garden, adjacent to the West Riverwalk, designed for gathering and relaxation
- Entrance Plaza, a shared pedestrian entrance with the Grand Center and the Macdonald-Kelce Library
- Northeast Quadrangle, a green space between the Science Center and the Cass Building
Flexible Spaces
The Science Center will feature a modular, adaptable design that supports evolving scientific research and teaching needs.
Central Academic Hub
The five-story, 153,000-square-foot Science Center will serve as the central academic hub for the College of Natural and Health Sciences while supporting science-based coursework across the University. Designed to encourage cross-disciplinary interaction, the facility will significantly centralize science teaching and research infrastructure that is currently distributed across campus, including in Plant Hall and the Jenkins Health and Technology Building.
Key Elements
The new Science Center will feature a modular, adaptable design that supports evolving scientific research and teaching needs. Key elements include:
- 25 teaching laboratories and 23 research laboratories supporting disciplines such as genetics, marine biology, anatomy, microbiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, organic and advanced chemistry, forensics and related fields
- Three microscopy rooms
- Four aquarium research laboratories
- A bioinformatics and computational sciences teaching classroom
- Two tissue culture laboratories
- An advanced instrumentation laboratory
- One 35-seat general-use classroom designed for future conversion to a 20-station instructional lab
- 73 faculty offices
Building Profile
By the Numbers
The new Science Center will feature a modular, adaptable design that supports evolving scientific research and teaching needs. It will have 25 teaching laboratories and 23 research laboratories supporting disciplines such as genetics, marine biology, anatomy, microbiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, organic and advanced chemistry, forensics and related fields.