On August 2, 2002, The University of Texas at Austin, on behalf of the Bureau of Economic Geology, received ownership of the BP core research facility in Houston, Texas.

Lord John Browne, BP Chief Executive Officer, made the presentation to UT President Larry T. Faulkner at a special ceremony held on the university campus. In attendance were a number of scientists and staff of the Bureau of Economic Geology.

UT President Dr. Larry Faulkner welcomes Lord John Browne of BP.

 

In addition to the generous gift of real estate, BP provided an endowment to provide for permanent storage and curation of over 450,000 boxes of geologic core and cuttings at this state-of-the-art Houston facility. Here important geologic specimens can be professionally preserved and made accessible for research, exploration, and education relating to the study of earth systems and resources. BP has donated the buildings, the land, the core, and the existing equipment (forklifts, shelving, layout tables, etc.).

 

The complex is located on the west side of Houston, six miles north of I-10 and two miles south of U.S. Highway 290, and is easily accessible from any of Houston's major freeways. Elevated loading docks, specialized storage such as frozen core, and basic rock preparation equipment make the facility functional for storage, easy access, and research.

 

The Houston facility has office, laboratory, and layout space available for visiting scientists. A large conference room, break room, and office and lab space will accommodate guests attending short courses and seminars.

 

The warehouse has a state-of-the-art design for curation of geologic materials. All indoor space is climate controlled and lighted, and wide aisles allow easy access for forklifts to move materials between the shelves and layout rooms.

Press Release from The University of Texas at Austin