Birmingham, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has inaugurated the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building. Spanning 175,000 square feet, the facility will focus on precision medicine, genomics, and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers. Supported by a $50 million state investment, the building is set to foster innovations aimed at tackling significant health challenges, boosting Alabama’s role in biotech entrepreneurship and creating high-tech jobs.
Exciting Developments Unveiled in Birmingham with New Genomic Medicine Facility
In a momentous occasion for Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has officially opened the doors to its newly launched Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building. This facility, sprawling over 175,000 square feet, is set to make waves in the realms of precision medicine, genomics, informatics, and data sciences. The grand opening featured a delightful ceremony, complete with a ribbon-cutting that marked the beginning of a new chapter for UAB and the research community.
A Symbol of Innovation
The building is strategically positioned at Seventh Avenue South, nestled between 19th and 20th streets. Its unique design resembles a double-helix, which beautifully symbolizes UAB’s unwavering commitment to advancing biomedical innovation. This new addition is not just another building; it represents the seventh new or renovated facility to be unveiled on the UAB campus in the span of just five months. That’s an incredible rush of new developments!
A Launchpad for Discovery
The vision behind the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building is clear: it is designed to serve as a “launchpad for discovery”. With this facility, UAB aims to elevate innovations that can tangibly improve the lives of people both locally and globally. A historical $50 million investment from the State of Alabama marked the largest-ever contribution from the state for a university facility, underscoring the importance of this project.
Community Support and Collaboration
In addition to the state funding, there has been encouraging support from Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, and philanthropic backing by the Altec/Styslinger Foundation and Dr. Marnix and Mary Heersink. The building is set to host over 90 researchers and their teams, with the plans to bring in an additional 30 investigators. This setup is expected to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to tackle significant health challenges like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction.
Enhancing Healthcare and Economics
The facility promises to propel UAB’s translational health initiatives and to attract top-tier scientific talent to Birmingham and all of Alabama. It includes thoughtfully curated spaces for computational research, along with administrative offices, scientific collaboration areas, and meeting spots tailored specifically for genomic and precision medicine enthusiasts.
Renovations have also been made to the existing Lyons-Harrison Research Building and the construction of the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center. To enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the area, a newly created Kracke Plaza honors the inaugural dean of the Medical College of Alabama, providing a lovely green space right next to the conference center.
The Future Looks Bright
UAB leaders are enthusiastic about the potential economic impact of this facility, positioning Alabama as a burgeoning hub for biotech entrepreneurship and a creator of high-tech jobs. The building is designed to accommodate numerous “small companies” and research initiatives, ensuring a vibrant environment conducive to scientific innovation and commercialization.
This project has been recognized as a wise investment with lasting economic returns for all Alabamians. As UAB aims to elevate its competitive advantage, the new Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building holds immense promise for enhancing the region’s economy through groundbreaking advancements in research and healthcare.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building?
The building serves to advance precision medicine, genomics, informatics, and data sciences.
How large is the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building?
The facility spans 175,000 square feet.
Where is the building located?
It is located at Seventh Avenue South between 19th and 20th streets in Birmingham.
What is the significance of the building’s design?
The distinctive double-helix design symbolizes the university’s commitment to biomedical innovation.
How many researchers will the building host?
The building will host over 90 researchers and their teams, with plans to recruit an additional 30 investigators.
What are the major challenges that researchers are expected to tackle in the facility?
The facility aims to address significant health challenges such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction.
What types of spaces are included in the facility?
The facility includes dedicated spaces for computational research, administrative offices, scientific collaboration, and meeting areas for genomic and precision medicine.
What is the expected economic impact of the facility?
It positions Alabama as a hub for biotech entrepreneurship and aims to create high-tech jobs.
Key Features of the New Building
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 175,000 square feet |
| Location | Seventh Avenue South between 19th and 20th streets |
| Design | Double-helix symbolizing biomedical innovation |
| Hosting Capacity | Over 90 researchers with plans for 30 more |
| Collaboration Focus | Interdisciplinary collaboration for tackling health challenges |
| Spaces Included | Computational research, administrative offices, collaborative meeting areas |
| Economic Impact | Positions Alabama as a biotech entrepreneurship hub |
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: UAB’s Newly Opened Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine Building
- WVTM 13: UAB Opens New Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
- Bham Now: UAB Opens New Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine Building
- ABC 33/40: UAB Unveils State-of-the-Art Genomic Medicine Building
- Business Alabama: UAB Officially Opens Altec/Styslinger Building
- Wikipedia: Genomic Medicine
- Google Search: Genomic Medicine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Genomics
- Google Scholar: Genomic Medicine
- Google News: Genomic Medicine
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
