Officials gathered Monday to break ground for a "transformational" genomic research center at UAB.
“This facility, made possible by the foresight and help of our state and local leaders, as well as generous donors, will position UAB and Alabama to be a global leader in precision medicine and genomic sciences, enhancing world-class clinical care for our community and beyond,” said UAB President Ray Watts, M.D. “Advancements in precision medicine, informatics and data sciences will now be accelerated, and we will gain greater understanding of the roles our genes and the environment play in major human diseases. These discoveries will lead to the development of new lifesaving treatments.”
“This is a signature investment for the state of Alabama and a bold project that will have a real impact on our economy and the long-term health of our citizens far beyond the dollars given,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “It will stimulate major strides in science and medicine and serve as a wise investment with a great return that serves all Alabamians.”
“The University of Alabama System and the Board of Trustees are grateful for the visionary leadership of our elected officials and the generosity of our donors, who all recognized this project will truly change lives,” said Finis St. John, chancellor of the University of Alabama System. “This facility represents the future of modern health care and positions UAB to be the leader in genomics and personalized medicine. This transformational initiative was our top priority, and it is now becoming a reality thanks to the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, Dr. Marnix E. and Mary Heersink, Governor Ivey, state Senators Jabo Waggoner, Rodger Smitherman and Greg Reed, Commissioner Stephens, Mayor Woodfin, and other dedicated leaders in Birmingham, Jefferson County and the state.”
Total project costs for the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building and the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center are expected to exceed $78 million. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2024.