During the last four years the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has successfully sought to attract new faculty members who are active researchers in several developing areas of molecular evolution. In addition, a number of new and established researchers are increasingly beginning to molecular techniques t answer evolutionary questions. Collaborations with researchers in other departments such as Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry are also increasing. These trends are expected accelerate in the future resulting in even greater interest in utilizing the most modern techniques which are applicable to evolutionary research in a broad range of areas. The renovation and equipping of laboratories to meet these new research needs has involved major capital expenditure which has largely been met through departmental set.up funds for new faculty members and equipment purchased on the grants of individual investigators. However, one major item of equipment, a preparative ultracentrifuge, is still not available in the department. This equipment is currently being borrowed from members of the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Veterinary Science (located in another building). This is an increasing unsatisfactory arrangement for all concerned. There are serious problems of availability and scheduling and the goodwill of colleagues in other departments is being taxed. An ultracentrifuge for the shared use of members of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is therefore an urgent necessity.
