🔒University of New England launches institute with $5M David Shaw gift

With a $5 million gift from philanthropist David Shaw, the University of New England is launching an interdisciplinary institute focused on environmental and human health, reinforcing the school’s role as a hub for collaboration, research and workforce development. The institute will unite expertise across health sciences, public health, marine and environmental science, political science and sustainable business to tackle issues ranging from coastal resilience and climate change to aging populations and mental health. Named for the founder of IDEXX Laboratories Inc., the Westbrook-based animal health company with a global footprint, the Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health is grounded in science and aligned with the university’s mission to improve the health of people, communities and the natural world. Wednesday's announcement coincides with the 56th anniversary of Earth Day. “We are deeply grateful for David’s extraordinary generosity and vision,” said UNE President James Herbert. “His support ensures UNE can expand its leadership in research at the intersection of public and planetary health, while equipping graduates with the skills and perspective to enter the workforce ready to lead across disciplines and to strengthen communities here in Maine and beyond.” A spokesman for UNE told Mainebiz that the school is still identifying a physical space for the institute on its Portland campus, but underscored that it is a university-wide unit that encompasses academic and research programming across disciplines and expertise. The funding will be put to use in multiple ways, including aligning all planetary health-related degree programs under one umbrella, expanding workforce and advocacy training programs in partnership with the Maine Health Association and funding new faculty positions. UNE plans to launch a search for a nationally recognized expert to serve as the institute's executive director.  In the meantime, Provost Gwendolyn Mahon will serve as acting director of the institute.

Longstanding ties

Shaw has longstanding ties to UNE. In 2021, he established the Shaw Innovation Fellowship to cultivate creative confidence and interdisciplinary problem-solving among students across all majors. The following year, UNE awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science. The Shaw Institute builds on the school’s commitment to hands-on, team-based learning design to prepare students to lead in complex, real-world environments. “I’m grateful to be partnering with the University of New England on this pioneering effort to address challenges at the intersection of public and planetary health,” Shaw said. "By bringing together science, innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration, we will catalyze high-impact solutions for people and the planet to shape a brighter future.”

The University of New England, which has campuses in Biddeford and Portland and overseas in Tangier, Morocco, is ranked No. 7 among Maine's largest colleges and universities in the 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists. Rankings were based on full-time enrollment in fall 2025.