New ILS Labs take shape at Drift 10
Construction of the brand-new research facilities for the ILS Labs at Drift 10 is now in full swing. Renovations are progressing rapidly and the soundproof booths that will house the labs are currently being installed. The technical installation of the first labs is expected to start in April.
The labs of the Institute for Language Sciences (ILS) are used to study language development in babies and language processing and production in adults. Much of this research involves the use of sound stimuli, which makes soundproof laboratories essential.
Several parts of Drift 10 are currently being renovated and upgraded to accommodate the new facilities. The floors of both the ground floor and first floor are being fortified to support the booths and the ventilation system is being expanded. Once completed, the basement, ground floor, and first floor will house two biolabs, two eye-tracking labs, three phonetics/general-purpose labs, an interaction lab, and a head-turn-preference lab.
Although the move is only a short distance – from Janskerkhof 13 to Drift 10 – it is a major logistical project. To ensure that ongoing research can continue with minimal disruption, the labs will be relocated one at a time. Moving each lab will take several weeks, and the full relocation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027.
- Take a look at the construction photos and the installation of the soundproof booths.
- You can also read the interview with National Geographic about research conducted in the ILS Labs.