Interdisciplinary Science

This science district represents a nexus of research and teaching in the physical and life sciences and reflects how the core sciences are increasingly intertwined. Biologists, chemists, computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, medical researchers, and statisticians work in close proximity and study diverse topics, from small particles to systems at grand scales. This has led to novel theoretical and experimental advances as well as new ways to develop materials, fight disease, and tackle ecological challenges. And the explosive expansion of computing capability — powering AI and enabling the collection and analysis of massive data sets — has only accelerated interdisciplinary endeavors that drive innovation. 

For undergraduate and graduate students, this is a vibrant zone for science learning as well as research. Two anchors of this district are the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Biology Research Building and the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning, which have state-of-the art classrooms and labs that support hands-on learning and exploration. 

A New Ecosystem

An interdisciplinary hub at the crossroads of the schools of Engineering and Humanities and Sciences, the Computing and Data Science (CoDa) building exemplifies our commitment to leveraging Stanford’s rich history of interdisciplinary interaction and breadth of expertise in computing and data science. The building was built to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation to address today’s most urgent issues and educate future leaders.

A Natural Laboratory

Located just 5 miles from the Stanford campus, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (‘Ootchamin ‘Ooyakma) is an invaluable outdoor classroom of 1,193 acres of protected nature for research and experiential education. The preserve is a natural laboratory — a place for studying how nature works, how humans have shaped a landscape, and how fundamental research can lead to new knowledge that has broad conservation value.  

Creating New Knowledge

The Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Biology Research Building supports the Department of Biology’s mission to conduct leading foundational, blue-sky research; to develop interdisciplinary and innovative partnerships; and to train outstanding scientists. Featuring state-of-the art wet labs and dry labs as well as hybrid research spaces and communal spaces, the building houses scientists working on all the building blocks of life under one roof, fostering connections and sparking creativity.