A new task force charged by Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and the Legislature efforts to upgrade science programs and laboratories at the University of Wyoming will meet Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Laramie.

The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled to run from 8 a.m.-noon in the hotel’s Garden Ballroom. The governor plans to join the meeting for concluding discussions at 11:15 a.m.

The task force -- composed of accomplished scientists, industry leaders and other professionals -- will work with a team of senior UW faculty members from several scientific departments who have been actively working on UW’s Science Initiative for several weeks. The initiative includes planning for remodeled and upgraded laboratory facilities and emphasizes existing research strengths, in line with the Legislature’s directive for UW to become a top academic and research institution in science.

Former Gov. Dave Freudenthal is one of the group’s co-chairs. It is anticipated that the task force will select another co-chair.

According to a news release, the task force expects to have a report by Nov. 1 to the governor, who then will submit any funding recommendations for program and facilities improvements to the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee.

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