Fermilab broke ground Friday on a new research center that will provide space for scientists to develop theories in accelerator science.
The Illinois Accelerator Research Center will provide 42,000 square feet of technical office and classroom space for scientist and industrial partners.
Researchers will study accelerator technologies and translate them into applications in energy and environment, medicine, industry, national security and discovery science.
According to Fermilab, scientists estimate that more than 30,000 accelerators are at work worldwide and help to diagnose and treat diseases, and to power industrial processes.
The research center will work with local universities and serve as a training facility, according to the Fermilab website, and position Illinois to become one of the world leaders in accelerator research, development and industrialization.
The construction of the center will create approximately 80 construction jobs, according to Fermilab, and continue to support about 200 high-tech jobs in Illinois.
