The Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies, located in the Biotechnology Building, is the successor of the Cornell Biotechnology Program that was established in 1983 to promote the new discipline of modern biotechnology. A revised charter and new name were adopted in June 1999, reflecting the evolution of the Program: "…embracing education, training and research in advanced technologies and their application to societal needs, using basic principles in physics, chemistry and engineering." A major role is to promote the education and training of biologists, engineers, agricultural personnel, and medical scientists. The Institute serves as a focal point for bringing together university scientists conducting research in the biological and physical sciences.