Birmingham, Alabama, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has officially opened the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance research and innovation in precision medicine, genomics, and informatics. Spanning 175,000 square feet, this landmark building symbolizes UAB’s commitment to biomedical research and aims to attract over 90 researchers. The project was significantly funded by a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama, reflecting the collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance health outcomes.
UAB Celebrates the Launch of a Cutting-Edge Genomic Medicine Building
Birmingham, Alabama is buzzing with excitement after the recent grand opening of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This stunning new facility is poised to redefine the landscape of precision medicine, genomics, informatics, and data sciences in the region and beyond.
The building covers an impressive 175,000 square feet and is strategically located at Seventh Avenue South between 19th and 20th streets. Its design features a striking double-helix motif, which serves as a nod to UAB’s unwavering commitment to biomedical research and innovation. This visual hallmark reflects the vital connection between biology and medicine, making it a fitting symbol for a facility dedicated to advancing health.
UAB isn’t slowing down; this brand-new facility is the seventh new or renovated building to open on campus in just the past five months! This rapid expansion underlines their commitment to innovation and positions the university as a leader in health sciences.
The Altec/Styslinger building will serve as a key hub for UAB Medicine, seamlessly integrating research, clinical care, and education. Its layout includes research areas to the south, clinical operations to the north, and Volker Hall, the vibrant heart of the medical school, to the west.
The new facility will be influential not only locally but also on a national and global scale. It aims to tackle pressing health issues, including chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction. Researchers from various fields will converge here, including staff from the Heersink School of Medicine and the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Ray L. Watts highlighted that this building is “more than bricks and mortar — it’s a launchpad for discovery.” This sentiment underscores the vision behind the building’s creation, which is not merely about physical space but about creating an environment ripe for innovation through the convergence of diverse expertise.
A significant boost for this project came from a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama, marking the largest contribution from the state for a university facility. Additional funding and encouragement came from Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, and generous private donors, including the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.
UAB expects to welcome over 90 renowned researchers and has space for an additional 30 investigators in this collaborative new home. According to Dr. Anupam Agarwal, this facility is not just about research; it’s seen as a catalyst for regional economic growth and a vibrant hub for small companies.
Within this innovative space, visitors will find areas dedicated to computational research, collaboration zones, and specialized meeting areas for genomic and precision medicine investigators. The building also houses the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center and a new greenspace named Kracke Plaza. Remarkably, the conference center was funded as part of a $95 million gift from Marnix and Mary Heersink.
This launch is a perfect example of successful collaboration among the public and private sectors, strengthening UAB’s standing in biomedical research and economic development. With this facility now up and running, UAB is set to make significant strides in improving health outcomes through research and innovation.
FAQ
What is the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building?
The Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building is a transformative facility at UAB that will accelerate breakthroughs in precision medicine, genomics, informatics, and data sciences.
How large is the new building?
The building spans 175,000 square feet.
What was the investment amount for the facility?
The project was funded by a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama.
How many researchers is UAB expecting to host in the new building?
UAB expects to host over 90 renowned researchers and has space for an additional 30 investigators.
What are the key research focuses of the Altec/Styslinger building?
Research initiatives will focus on chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and addiction.
Key Features of the Altec/Styslinger Building
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 175,000 square feet |
| Investment | $50 million from the State of Alabama |
| Research Focus | Chronic diseases: cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, addiction |
| Researchers Expected | 90 renowned plus space for 30 additional investigators |
| Significant Design | Double-helix symbolizing biology and medicine |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Birmingham Launches Innovative Genetic Testing Initiative to Improve Health for Alabamians
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: UAB’s Newly Opened Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine Building
- Bham Now: UAB Opens New Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
- WVTM 13: UAB Opens New Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building
- ABC 3340: UAB Unveils State-of-the-Art Genomic Medicine Building
- AL.com: New Park Holiday Signage Approved for Downtown Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Genomic Medicine
- Google Search: Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine Building UAB
- Google Scholar: Genomic Medicine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Genomics
- 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.
