University Of Arizona Gets $30M Gift From Billionaire To Support Climate Change Research

ORACLE, AZ — The University of Arizona is receiving $30 million from Texas billionaire Edward Bass to support the Biosphere 2 research facility in Oracle, about 25 miles north of the university's Tucson campus.

The donation will go toward continued research into global climate change and other "grand scientific challenges" affecting daily life, Biosphere 2 Director Joaquin Ruiz said. The university has operated the research facility for 10 years. Bass is confident the university's stewardship will benefit the planet's long-term well-being.

The gift is the third major commitment by a Bass foundation to support the university's research and operations at Biosphere 2, according to the university's announcement Wednesday. (For more information on the Biosphere 2 research facility and other Tucson stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Biosphere 2 was used in the early 1990s for research involving extended stays inside the facility. It is in the small community of Oracle about 25 miles north of the university's campus in Tucson.

Photo credit: Karen via Flickr/Creative Commons