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Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory

The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) in Bar Harbor was awarded just over $5 million in awards from the Maine Biomedical Research Program (MBRP), which was administered by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) for the Maine Biomedical Research Board.

The program promotes economic development by expanding biomedical research activities statewide, while improving disease treatment and prevention options for Maine citizens. It also supports biomedical research organizations successful in attracting federal research grants and provides incentives for small, eligible institutions to grow.

“Funding from the Maine Biomedical Research Program played a critical role in our ability to expand into a vibrant, year-round research institution,” said Dr. Patricia Hand, administrative director of MDIBL. MBRP funds played an integral role in supporting MDIBL’s research expansion, resulting in recruitment of 10 full-time research groups. According to MDIBL’s 2008 report to MTI, the funds helped renovate existing laboratories, purchase scientific equipment and construct a new 15,000 square-foot “green” building, the first LEED-certified biomedical research lab in Maine. In addition, it enabled the recruitment of 10 leading scientists to the Center for Marine Functional Genomic Studies. With new facilities and top scientists, MDIBL dramatically increased its ability to compete for federal grants. Eight years ago, MDIBL’s total federal funding was $1.2 million. Since that time, MDIBL has successfully competed for grants totaling $43.8 million. MDIBL also reports an impressive expansion of its employee base since 2001. The laboratory has grown from 11 full-time employees to 40 today. In 2008, nine new employees were hired. Over the next three years, there are plans to add 8 – 10 new full-time employees. MDIBL also reports that it purchased $3.3 million in goods and services from Maine businesses in 2008, including $2 million in the construction sector.

State bond funds “allowed us to successfully compete for more than $40 million in federal research grants, resulting in a four-fold increase the number of full time employees.” - Dr. Patricia Hand, administrative director of MDIBL

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