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Science 10 January 2003:
Vol. 299. no. 5604, p. 183
DOI: 10.1126/science.299.5604.183d
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ScienceScope

Rumors are flying that Columbia University will end its association with Biosphere 2, a research and educational facility in Oracle, Arizona. The university is mulling the partnership's future, officials say, and administrators have already decided to move one Biosphere-based master's degree program to Columbia's New York City campus.

Built by Texas billionaire Edward Bass in 1990, the 1.3-hectare greenhouse was originally designed as a sealed, experimental ecosystem capable of supporting eight people for 2 years. After the experiment failed, Columbia took over the facility in 1996, eventually signing a 14-year contract to transform its miniocean and landscapes into a center for ecosystem studies (Science, 22 May 1998, p. 1183).

The center has produced some interesting science. But high costs and leadership changes at Columbia have apparently prompted a second look. A university spokesperson confirmed that officials are "evaluating our level of involvement in Biosphere" but gave no timeline for decisions. Moving the degree program, she said, was designed to strengthen the home campus.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)