Located in Baton Rouge, La., the Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducts basic, clinical and population research. It is an academics-based nutrition research center located on more than 230 acres. It conducts research in several areas, including functional foods, experimental obesity, clinical obesity and metabolic syndrome, nutrition and chronic diseases, health and performance enhancement and nutrition and the brain. Established in 1988, the center s facility includes nearly 15 research laboratories, more than 15 core service laboratories, inpatient and outpatient clinics, a research kitchen and administrative unit. It employs research scientists, laboratory technicians, nurses, dieticians and support personnel. The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a member of the Louisiana State University System.