Van Andel Institute

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premiere research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 400 scientists, educators and staff.

VAI engaged Lord Cultural Resources in collaboration with Bluewater Studio and Kahler Slater to transform spaces throughout their facility into vehicles for storytelling and intentional communication. These experiences will make VAI’s facility more welcoming and engage its guests in its story, inspiring them to share VAI’s successes with their circles of influence. Staff will feel closer to the purpose of this important institute with rising pride and ownership. Storytelling experiences will communicate to staff and visitors the history, mission, and important initiatives of VAI in the fields of biomedical research and science education. Content and design will be flexible, accessible, transparent, focused on people, engaging, and will make strategic use of space and resources. The storytelling experiences will help realize VAI’s vision to become a first-rate science institution, impacting human health through cutting-edge research and science education.