The University of Utah recently inaugurated the L. S. Skaggs Applied Science Building, a state-of-the-art facility designed to tackle urgent scientific challenges.
This new building, alongside the renovated historic William Stewart Building, constitutes the $97 million Applied Science Project. Together with the Crocker Science Center, these structures create the Crocker Science Complex, a sprawling 275,000-square-foot hub dedicated to fostering discovery in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on July 16, 2025, where officials, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, celebrated the opening of the complex as a significant investment in scientific research and the future of innovation.
Governor Cox emphasized the commitment of the state to science amidst decreasing federal funding, stating, “We’re not just solving Utah’s problems anymore, we’re solving the world’s problems, and we’re doing it right here.”
Recognized for educating a large portion of STEM students in Utah, the University aims to meet the increasing demand for STEM education with these new 140,000-square-foot facilities.
The development was made possible by a combined effort of $67.5 million from the Utah state legislature and substantial contributions from philanthropists Gary and Ann Crocker, as well as the ALSAM Foundation.
Peter Trapa, vice provost and senior dean of the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, noted the positive cycle generated by public and private investments, benefiting citizens and fueling future research endeavors.
The Crocker Science Complex is set to accommodate nearly 5,000 students annually, offering preparation courses for 37 different degree paths and nine pre-professional programs.
With a significant increase in experimental and computer physics labs, the new facilities will provide College of Science students with immediate opportunities for hands-on research, starting in their freshman year.
Gary Crocker articulated the building’s potential, stating, “This building is going to ripple through the lives of tens of thousands of students each year… They will become our future physicians and our future nurses, our future scientists, our future pharmacists and astronomers, environmental scientists.”
The Applied Science Project, designed by EDA Architects and constructed by Okland Construction, will house critical departments like Physics & Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences, as well as the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy.
The building’s rooftops are outfitted with monitors that track dust, aerosols, and particulate matter, providing valuable data to help communities safeguard public health.
Students will also have access to advanced telescopes in classrooms, engaging them in real data gathering and analysis.
Members of the Wilkes Center have contributed significantly to initiatives such as the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, focusing on challenges affecting the American Southwest.
Pearl Sandick, interim dean for the College of Science, stated, “The full impact of the investment in this space… is transformational” and highlighted its potential for influencing technology and research applications that impact local and national decision-making.
Moreover, the complex aims to enhance community engagement. The west entrance features a gathering space for social connectivity and well-being, while public stargazing events, hosted by astronomers, invite local residents to explore the universe using advanced telescopes.
Additionally, the Wilkes Center provides real-time air quality data accessible to all, reinforcing the complex’s commitment to community welfare.
Art is also a pivotal aspect of the buildings, featuring two notable public art installations by artist Bruce Shapiro.
These include the “Sisyphus” sand sculpture table in the Stewart Building and the kinetic artwork
image source from：attheu
