LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — University of Wyoming officials are hoping the school's new oil and gas research facility will help attract leading academics and researchers from around the world.

Construction on the 90,000-square-foot High Bay Research Facility wrapped up last month. The building has laboratory, office and meeting space and was designed for research on unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.

School of Energy Resources Director Mark Northam says due to factors such as its location and reputation, UW has faced challenges in bringing in the best and brightest. He says the new research facility will help change that with its unique design and by accommodating academics' needs for doing research.

Northam says a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility will likely take place in August.

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