Neurosciences Research Building, Indiana University, Indianapolis, United States of America

Key Data

Construction of a new neurosciences research building at Indiana University (IU) was initiated in August 2012, and is scheduled to be completed by 2014. It is located near 16th Street and Senate Avenue, near the IU Health Methodist Hospital. It is being developed jointly by Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Health.

The facility will focus on expanding and strengthening the biomedical and life sciences research capabilities of the university. It will be also used for conducting a wide range of research in fields such as neurotrauma, addiction, epilepsy, dementias and pain.

Following the Indiana General Assembly's approval of the project, the Indiana state budget committee gave approval to the University for going ahead with construction, in April 2011.

IU research building details

"The Indiana state budget committee gave approval to the University for going ahead with construction, in April 2011."

The new research building for neurosciences at the Indiana University will have a total floor space of 138,000 square feet.

It will provide enhanced research facilities for neuroscientists from numerous fields, such as psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, radiology and pathology. The aim of the project is to provide patients with the best neurological care.

The facility will be connected to the 270,000 square feet ambulatory care and imaging centre, being built by the IU Health Neuroscience Centre with an estimated investment of more than $100m. The imaging centre is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

The two facilities together will create a hub of expertise in neurosciences for researchers, doctors, patients and future physicians.

Facilities at the neuroscience centre

The space in the neurosciences research building will be allocated to interdisciplinary research teams for a flexible research with a disease oriented focus, rather than assigning the space on the basis of traditional academic departments.

"The two facilities together will create a hub of expertise in neurosciences for researchers, doctors, patients and future physicians."

The facility will welcome neuroscientists across the world from various disciplines, such as neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, rehabilitation, pathology and radiology. The cluster of multidisciplines in one place will result in bringing fundamental advances in the research against various nervous diseases, such as Alzheimer's, spinal cord injuries, addiction and psychoses.

The research building will provide sophisticated and world class laboratory research spaces and facilities to the IU School of Medicine's scientists, the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute and those from the Institute of Psychiatric Research.

The Institute of Psychiatric Research will be the primary occupant of the building. It focuses on developing treatment for psychiatric disorders such as addictions, schizophrenia, anxiety, mood disorders, autism and Alzheimer's disease.

The Stark Neurosciences Research Institute focuses on applying advances in molecular, genetic and imaging technologies. Part of the institute will be relocated to the new research building. It will initiate collaborative research in the building through shared technical support and centralised analytical facilities. The institute aims to achieve these through flexibility in adapting to changes in programmes and funding, and maximising the performance of scientific instruments.

Construction of Indiana University's building

The neuroscience building at Indiana University broke ground for construction in August 2012. It is expected to be completed by 2014.

The exterior of the building will feature an efficient skin, composed mainly of glass. The interior of the building will be flexible so as to adapt to changes, and will have abundant natural light and other fundamental facilities. The building will follow a theme consistent with the entire neuroscience campus.

Contractors involved with the research centre

The research building was designed by BSA LifeStructures. The structural engineering support for the project is provided by TRC WorldWide Engineering. HKS Maregatti Interiors is the interior designer. Messer Construction was appointed as the general contractor and construction manager for the project.

Finances for the neurosciences facility

The total investment for the construction of the facility is estimated at about $53m. The State of Indiana contributes about $43m through the issuance of bonds. The Indiana University and IU School of Medicine are contributing $5m each towards the project.

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The construction of a new neuroscience research building at IU was initiated in 2012.

The neuroscience research building is located near IU Health Methodist Hospital.

The research facility will be connected to the ambulatory care and imaging centre.