Groundbreaking Celebration Marks Beginning of Construction of Regional Biocontainment Lab at UT-Baptist Research Park

Memphis Bioworks Foundation
Apr 20, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, April 20, 2007 The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis Bioworks" Foundation, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) celebrated the beginning of construction on a new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) in February. The RBL marks the first phase of new construction for Memphis new urban bioscience center the UT-Baptist Research Park. After the research park land was donated to Memphis Bioworks in 2001 by Baptist Memorial Health Care, the foundation began demolishing out-dated buildings to make way for a an impressive, 10-acre campus designed for the highly specialized needs of the growing bioscience community in Memphis. Completion of the research park is estimated to take ten years and will be constructed during six phases. As the first new building in the UT-Baptist Research Park, the RBL is a sign that our vision of an internationally recognized center for the biosciences is not only possible it is happening, said Dr. Steven J. Bares, president and executive director of Memphis Bioworks Foundation. This is a significant step forward for the future of bioscience in Memphis. UTHSC will use the RBL to conduct research for the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to protect the general population from infectious diseases and bioterrorism. When complete, the UT-Baptist Research Park campus will consist of 1.4 million square feet of integrated laboratory, research, education and business development space located on 10 acres in the heart of the Memphis Medical Center. Amenities will include the Regional Biocontainment Lab offering a suite of biosafety level (BSL) 2 and 3 laboratory modules; a cadaveric training facility; computational access to the Lambda Rail through direct connectivity with Oak Ridge; substantial laboratory research; a new UTHSC College of Pharmacy; incubator space; facilities for training sessions; meeting space; and office space for bioscience start-ups and support organizations. The campus is already home to several bioscience companies housed in one of the original office buildings and a renovated lab. Current tenants include BioDimensions, Argentis Rx, LifeCyte, ED Labs, InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute, and MidSouth eHealth Alliance. It also serves as one of two campuses for the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, Tennessees first charter school and a preparatory middle and high school with an emphasis on the development of math, science and engineering skills. About the Memphis Bioworks Foundation The Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed in early 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology through education, infrastructure, workforce development, research and commercialization. To accomplish its mission, Memphis Bioworks is focused on three primary initiatives Build the Infrastructure, Grow the Workforce, and Drive Entrepreneurship. Visit www.memphisbioworks.org to learn more about the Memphis Bioworks Foundation