Building for what’s next: How UNC is adapting science, space, and strategy for a rapidly changing landscape

Advanced imaging, virology, and vaccine research have shaped generations of leading-edge vivaria, with the latest facility solutions reflected in the plans for UNC Chapel Hill’s state-of-the-art Translational Research Building (TRB). Craig Fletcher re-examines the rationales for building features and equipment decisions – including biocontainment labs, research neighborhoods, genomics and bioinformatics cores, and the leveraging of artificial intelligence in preclinical programs – in light of evolving NIH and regulatory policies for animal research. He considers how plans may need to shift to prioritize alternative platforms, transparent protocols, and robust justification for animal use, and what UNC is currently thinking about positioning for cutting-edge science and regulatory compliance.