Southern Research on Tuesday marked a milestone in Alabama’s scientific and economic landscape with the grand opening of its $98 million state-of-the-art biotechnology center—a transformative project that doubles the organization’s lab capacity and expands its ability to combat chronic illnesses, cancer and infectious diseases.
Located at the corner of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and Ninth Avenue South, the 150,000-square-foot facility is expected to strengthen Birmingham’s position as a biotech hub while advancing treatments for some of today’s most pressing health threats.
“Southern Research and the University of Alabama at Birmingham continue to partner in groundbreaking discoveries that impact lives throughout Alabama and beyond,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts, who is serving as interim CEO of Southern Research. “This new, world-class facility will accelerate those efforts dramatically, as we work together to become the biotech commercialization leader in the Southeast. We could not make this progress without local, state and federal support and appreciate their continued efforts to grow the biotech industry in Birmingham.”
Southern Research broke ground on the building in 2022, with significant financial backing from the State of Alabama, the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County and a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant.
A lab inside Southern Research’s new biotech center.
“This facility is the result of visionary leadership and strong public-private partnerships that are transforming the City of Birmingham,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “Biotech is critically important to the city, and with investments like this, we are charting an even brighter future for this industry and more importantly for the people who call Birmingham home.”
The Alabama Legislature appropriated $45 million for the project in the 2023 state budget—the state’s first-ever direct investment in Southern Research’s 80-year-old campus.
“This is the type of infrastructure that will help us recruit and retain the brightest minds in Alabama, drive more economic growth, and create more lifesaving drugs,” said state Sen. Jabo Waggoner. “What happens here will have an impact that goes far beyond our state’s borders.”
The new building marks the first major addition to the campus since 1987.
“Most of us know the famous line from the movie ‘Field of Dreams’—‘If you build it, they will come,’” said state Sen. Rodger Smitherman. “I believe this biotech center is our ‘field of dreams.’ It is a key milestone and landmark that will increase our footprint as a nationally renowned center for research and innovation.”
The biotech center will accelerate the development of therapies for high-impact diseases, advance commercial drug candidates, and support U.S. government programs to safeguard national health and security.
“As someone who recently completed cancer treatment, I have a newfound appreciation for Southern Research and its history as a true center of excellence in oncology research,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens. “When I look at this building today, I see so much more than investment and infrastructure and even jobs. I see hope.”
The facility will bring together leading scientists, a high-throughput chemistry lab, and cutting-edge screening facilities capable of synthesizing and testing thousands of drug candidates. It will also launch Southern Research’s new genomic research program, Catalyst, which provides patients with personalized insights into their health risks and treatment options.
Campus-wide renovations and new innovation spaces—including the Station 41 incubator—have accompanied the center’s construction. The project created more than 124 jobs and generated over $80 million in economic activity.
“The investment at Southern Research is another reflection of the University of Alabama System’s mission to improve lives and our role as an economic engine for the whole state,” said University of Alabama System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. “We are committed to serving Alabamians and are continually looking for opportunities to take research, education and patient care to an even higher level.”
For over eight decades, Southern Research has been a key player in medical innovation, contributing to the development of seven FDA-approved cancer drugs and shaping modern cancer treatment.
“This is a transformational moment for us, made possible by the support of the broader community and the outstanding reputation of our Southern Research team,” said Chief Operating Officer Harry Ledebur, Ph.D. “We are building on the legacy of many dedicated scientists, and we’re thrilled to open a center that will both nurture today’s researchers and inspire the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.”
