University Times

Officials representing the Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) and Magee-Womens Health Corp. recently accepted a check for $4.5 million from Gov. Ed Rendell. The funding comes from the governor’s office and state House and Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses.

Established in 1992, MWRI was one of the first research centers to focus specifically on health conditions affecting women and babies. The institute has grown from 20 faculty members to more than 260 scientists and staff.

Construction on a $31 million expansion of the MWRI building began last fall with a projected occupancy in early 2007. The expansion project will add 70,000 sq. ft. to more than double the former 50,000-sq.-ft. MWRI building at the corner of Forbes and Craft avenues.

The expansion will provide additional space for laboratory, office and support services for MWRI and enable the institute to recruit more than 100 additional scientists, researchers, clinicians and other health care professionals.

Designed by the Astorino architectural firm and being built by Massaro Construction Co., the expansion project is planned to connect to the existing building at all seven levels.

MWRI has attracted some $100 million in grant funding focusing on research in women’s and infant’s health and representing the institute’s continued strong ties to Pitt’s Schools of the Health Sciences and UPMC.