Synthetic Chemistry and Drug Discovery Lab Proposal (Estimated Cost of Equipment = $100,000, Estimated support to be provided by CUFSAA = $40,000, Estimated Completion Date – December 2025)
Please Support the proposed Synthetic Chemistry and Drug Discovery Lab !!!
Progress Update:
CUFSAA-Funded Synthetic and Drug Discovery Laboratory The Synthetic and Drug Discovery Laboratory at the Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, supported by CUFSAA-NA, is now entering the implementation phase.
The Department of Chemistry engaged a private design company to create a comprehensive laboratory layout and infrastructure plan. The design phase is now complete, and the plans address modern requirements for synthetic chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery research. “The proposed facility will significantly enhance our capacity for advanced research, postgraduate training, and collaborative projects with both local and international partners,” says Professor Nalin de Silva, Head and Chair of the Department of Chemistry. The Chemistry Department is confident that, with successful fundraising by CUFSAA, they can complete construction and commissioning of the laboratory by the end of this year. This will enable the faculty and students to conduct cutting-edge research that contributes to the advancement of science and fosters innovation in areas of national and global importance.
The initial estimate for Phase 2 of the project, which CUFFSA-NA undertook responsibility of funding, was $35,000. Due to a need to absorb a portion of the cost of Phase 1 of the project, this had to be revised to $40,000. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, we have been able to meet our initial target of $35,000 (including a $2,500 pledge) to date. We are confident of raising the remaining $5,000 with your support soon. Please talk to any executive committee member if you are interested in learning more about this project. We welcome your generous support! Below are photos showcasing the design plans of the project.
Below are photos showcasing the design plans of the project.
Think of the days when you carried out your laboratory experiments or research projects with limited and aged equipment and facilities but still received a good education which paved the path for your success.
With those limited facilities, the department imparted quality education that made you the successful person you are today!
Would you not prefer the upcoming generations of students to use more advanced facilities?
Fortunately, the Chemistry Department has made significant strides in laboratory development in the last several years
New facilities include:
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Now the Department plans to set up a Synthetic Chemistry and Drug Discovery Laboratory and CUFSAA-NA plans to fund the phase of the project that covers the basic lab infrastructure consisting of fume hoods, chemical resistant benches, Schlenk line, solvent purification system, rotary evaporators, balances, ovens, hotplates, stirrers, and other general lab equipment.
Estimated Cost of the Equipment Budget to be supported by CUFSAA: $40,000
Target Date of Completion: December, 2025
Phase 2: Basic Lab Infrastructure esitmated cost is $100,000. Support provided by CUFSAA is $40,000)
| Item | Estimated cost (USD) |
| Three fume hoods with ventilation systems | 15,000 |
| Chemical resistant benches (wall + island) and necessary storage cabinets | 15,000 |
| Gas cylinder cage, gas lines, and safety shower | 5,000 |
| Flammable solvent storage cabinets and “spark-free” refrigerator | 5,000 |
| Five port, dual manifold Schlenk line with direct-drive or rotary-vain vacuum pump | 20,000 |
| Rotary evaporator | 5,000 |
| Single station glovebox with purification catalyst bed | 25,000 |
| Analytical balance, top loading balance, hotplate stirrer with temperature control (3 units), and oven | 10,000 |
| TOTAL | 100,000 |
Priority color coding: Red – High; Blue – moderate; Green – nice to have. Equipment cost represents current best estimate.
You can make a difference in the lives of the upcoming generations of students to use more advanced facilities to bring our research to another level.
We are grateful to the vision of the faculty in the Chemistry department who has made great strides in upgrading the laboratories the last several years.
We are confident that with your support we can reach this goal fast!
Please make your donation by posting a check to:
Colombo University Faculty of Science Alumni Association
c/o Ms. Sandya Liyanarachchi
Treasurer – CUFSAA-NA
5870 Tara Hill Drive
Dublin OH 43017
USA.
Or by Paypal using the following link: