Southern Research Opens Advanced Biotechnology Center

Southern Research opened a $98 million biotechnology center in August of 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. Designed by HOK and Williams Blackstock Architects, the 150,000-sf building will advance research crucial to human health and address pressing biomedical threats. The five-level structure features BSL-3 laboratories spanning 7,500 sf that provide essential biocontainment capacity for the study of infectious diseases. High-throughput chemistry and screening facilities will enable the rapid synthesis and testing of novel drug therapies. As well as accommodating structural biology labs and a STEM education center, the collaborative development is also the new home for Catalyst, Southern Research’s genomic research program that empowers patients with insights into individual health risks and optimal treatment pathways.

Offering four floors of wet lab and office space, this dynamic hub will accelerate incubation for new biomedical companies and also house the Center for Innovation and Commercialization. On the top level, the Center for Precision Population Health will bring together leading scientists to discover new ways to enhance the wellbeing of Alabama residents. General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie broke ground on the project in May of 2022.