Southern Research unveils $98M biotech facility to advance medical research

Southern Research, a Birmingham-founded nonprofit scientific research organization, celebrated the grand opening of its new biotech center Tuesday afternoon.

The nonprofit broke ground on the facility in 2022, which was its first major campus addition since 1987.

Here are some of the figures from this new facility: 

• Worth a total of $98 million
• 150,000 square feet
• $45 million from the Alabama Legislature
• 124 project-related jobs created during construction
•  $80 million in economic activity in the area during construction

Not only did Southern Research receive financial support from the state, but they also had funding from the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County and a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. 

“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. What happens here will have an impact that goes far beyond our state’s borders.” 

Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, R-Vestavia

Southern Research’s new facility is located on the corner of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and Ninth Avenue South. The corner was previously home to the Quinlan Castle, which was demolished in 2022 to make way for the state-of-the-art research facility. 

The biotechnology center will double Southern Research’s lab capacity and expand its ability to combat chronic illnesses, cancer and infection diseases, according to a release from the organization. 

Southern Research’s focus is the discovery, development and testing of novel therapies across a wide spectrum of diseases — specifically cancer. The nonprofit has done work to advance chemotherapy and develop seven FDA-approved cancer drugs.

“This new facility reinforces Southern Research’s commitment to advancing human health and addressing some of the most pressing biomedical threats of our time.”

Press release from Southern Research on Aug. 12, 2025

Southern Research, founded in 1941, is a partner institution in the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, a partnership between 11 academic health centers, research institutes and universities across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The network includes UAB — the university’s president, Ray L. Watts, is currently the interim CEO of Southern Research.

“Southern Research and the University of Alabama at Birmingham continue to partner in groundbreaking discoveries that impact lives throughout Alabama and beyond. This new, world-class facility will accelerate those efforts dramatically, as we work together to become the biotech commercialization leader in the Southeast.”

Ray L. Watts

The facility will be home to Southern Research’s new genomic research program, Catalyst, which offers free genetic testing and expands access to precision medicine to communities across Alabama with support from the State of Alabama and City of Birmingham.

“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. 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.”

Southern Research COO Harry Ledebur

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