The Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Innovation brings together the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science and Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, in a mission to support innovation and collaboration between faculty, students, and industrial and community partners. Named after the co-founder of Oculus VR, the Center is designed to cultivate the next generation in computer science. The new 215,600 SF educational facility supports both traditional and contemporary pedagogies and supports groundbreaking research in virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, algorithms, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, programming languages and systems, computational biology, and quantum computing with STEM fields relying heavily on data analysis and computer science. The programs are funded by The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The Iribe Center features two main components — the 300-person auditorium and the six-story instructional and research space. These are joined by a connector space that blurs the line between inside and outside, creating a thoughtful academic and research center. Antonov Auditorium is designed as a space to share knowledge and ideas via conferences, lectures, job fairs, and hack-a-thons — design events where computer programmers collaborate on software projects.
Virtual and augmented reality labs are included featuring a 3-D sound and projection system to deliver a fully-immersive and interactive environment. Virtual reality headsets with computers for classroom instruction are available, as well as a 360-degree video showing room. Research labs feature audio/video recording systems, web streaming, and online/distance learning capabilities. The motion capture studio is available to any students to record and playback movement for review. To further support innovation and collaboration, the facility also includes 13 computer labs, 5 seminar rooms, 8 collaborative classrooms with interactive technology and flexible seating, a production studio with video editing room, robotics lab, study rooms, interactive displays, and a café. Open not only to computer science students, but also to all students at the University of Maryland, The Iribe Center is a hub for technology and has something to offer everyone inside and outside of the classrooms.
