The University has shown support for Vermont residents affected by Tropical Storm Irene, with the latest act of goodwill reaching out to the scientific community. UVM has decided to open its labs at no cost for 32 scientists affected by Irene’s devastating floods, a University Communications article stated. The scientists, who researched topics such as progressing food safety, worked at state laboratories in Waterbury, a town that was affected by the tropical storm’s record rainfall and flooding, the article stated. “A lot of [the scientists] lost their records,” said John Vogelmann, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “These were labs that couldn’t go down.” Movement of data began on Sept. 19and ended Oct. 17, with much of the faculty voluntarily opening their labs and workspace to the displaced researchers. Eight researchers from the Agency of Agriculture and Food Markets will occupy space at the Terrill Building; another 18 from the Department of Environmental Conservation will utilize labs in Jeffords Hall, the article stated. “There was no way we could not help them,” Vogelmann said. “This is one of the reasons why we have a major research university; we are a conglomerate of talent and expertise.” “UVM’s willingness to share laboratory space with the department’s scientists has lifted our spirits,” said David Mears, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.