Birmingham, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) celebrated the grand opening of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building. This state-of-the-art facility spans 175,000 square feet and represents a landmark $50 million investment from the State of Alabama, aimed at positioning UAB as a leader in biomedical research. Designed to foster collaboration among over 90 researchers, the building will focus on chronic diseases and aims to integrate research, clinical care, and education in the heart of Birmingham.
Exciting Developments in Birmingham: UAB’s New Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
Birmingham is buzzing these days, especially with the recent grand opening of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building, a magnificent new addition to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This multi-million-dollar facility has been designed to step up the game in biomedical research and innovation, and it’s definitely turning heads!
Spanning a whopping 175,000 square feet, the new building is situated on Seventh Avenue South, nestled between 19th and 20th Street in the heart of Birmingham. Its eye-catching double-helix design pays homage to the basic building blocks of life, making it a fitting home for cutting-edge research that aims to improve human health.
According to UAB President Ray Watts, this facility isn’t just a building. It serves as a “launchpad for discovery”, geared towards innovation that has the potential to change lives both locally and globally. As part of its ambitious mission, the facility aims to position UAB and Alabama as leaders in precision medicine and data sciences.
Now, let’s talk about the funding. The new building comes with a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama, marking the largest-ever investment from the state in a university facility. This blockbuster funding was made possible through the Public School and College Authority, with additional support from Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, and the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, among generous donors.
The new building will not only boast state-of-the-art research facilities but also includes renovations to the existing Lyons-Harrison Research Building. Remarkably, this is the seventh facility to open on the UAB campus in just the last five months, reflecting a booming commitment to education, health, and innovation.
The design effectively integrates research, clinical care, and education. Research facilities are situated to the south, clinical operations to the north, and Volker Hall—home to the medical school’s core—to the west. It’s a well-thought-out design that promises to foster collaboration among various teams and projects.
Speaking of collaboration, the facility is set to be home to over 90 researchers and their teams and has the capacity to bring on more than 30 additional investigators. This hub for innovation will facilitate collaboration across seven different research and technical arms of UAB, all focusing on chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction.
With an array of advanced technologies and disciplines such as data science, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, genomic engineering, and laboratory science on the agenda, this building is poised to be a game-changer.
Moreover, this investment in the new facility acts as a catalyst for economic development in the region, potentially attracting high-paying jobs and fostering biotech entrepreneurship. Local leadership has emphasized the significance of this project as a long-term investment, promising lasting returns for the people of Alabama.
UAB officials are also optimistic about enhancing partnerships between frontline clinicians and researchers, aiming to advance translational health efforts. The Altec/Styslinger building even features specialized areas for computational research, administrative collaboration, and tailored meeting spaces designed specifically for genomic and precision medicine investigators.
This remarkable project stands out as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships, dedicated to improving health outcomes and driving economic growth here in Alabama.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building?
The facility is designed to enhance biomedical research and innovation, aiming to position UAB and Alabama as global leaders in precision medicine and data sciences.
How much was invested in the new building?
The project was funded by a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama, which is the largest-ever investment from the state in a university facility.
What types of research will take place in the building?
The facility will focus on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction, among other areas.
How many researchers will work in the building?
The building will house more than 90 researchers and their teams, with additional capacity to recruit over 30 more investigators.
Key Features of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 175,000 square feet |
| Design | Double-helix design |
| Investment | $50 million |
| Location | Seventh Avenue South between 19th and 20th Street, Birmingham |
| Research Focus | Chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, addiction |
| Capacity | More than 90 researchers, with room for 30 additional |
| Collaboration Support | Spaces for computational research, offices, administrative collaboration |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UAB Launches Innovative Genomic Medicine Building
UAB Unveils New Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
UAB Unveils New Biomedical Research and Innovation Center
Birmingham Opens New Biotechnology Center to Enhance Healthcare
Birmingham’s Design Review Committee Approves New Park and Business Updates
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: UAB’s New Genomic Medicine Building
- Bham Now: UAB Opens New Genomic Medicine Building
- CBS 42: UAB and Birmingham Mayor on Medical Research Funding
- WVTM 13: NIH Medical Research Cuts Impacting Birmingham, UAB
- Al.com: Op-Ed on Birmingham’s Medical Research
- Wikipedia: Genomic Medicine
- Google Search: UAB Genomic Medicine
- Google Scholar: Genomic Medicine UAB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Genomic Medicine
- Google News: UAB 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.
