Construction is now underway at Indiana University Indianapolis on a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research facility designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration across a wide range of scientific disciplines. The 52,000-square-foot STEM Lab Building, located near North Blackford and West New York streets, will become a key asset in the university’s Science and Technology Corridor.

“This new addition to our campus is the latest example of IU Indianapolis’ leadership in research at the intersection of health, life sciences and technology,” said Chancellor Latha Ramchand. “We take our ranking as an R1 university very seriously by translating research into impact that makes a difference in the lives of Hoosiers across the state and people around the world. We are grateful to our legislature for their support and to industry leaders for their collaboration on this project.”

Once complete in fall 2026, the new facility will house advanced laboratory spaces including a 3D bioprinter lab, an advanced physics lab, and core research areas tailored to support biosciences and biomedical research. These purpose-built environments will be instrumental in developing technologies like health monitoring wearables, diagnostic tools, and integrated sensor systems.

IU Research will operate the building, which will serve as a hub for cross-disciplinary innovation. The project is aligned with the university’s IU 2030 strategic plan and will create collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across the STEM fields and beyond.

“The STEM Lab Building will allow IU researchers to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that will have major impacts on human health,” said Phaedra Corso, IU associate vice president and vice chancellor for research at IU Indianapolis. “This research will strengthen cross-campus collaborations and encourage partnerships between STEM fields and the humanities, arts and social sciences. It marks another pivotal step forward for IU Indianapolis as one of the nation’s premier urban research universities.”

Funded in part by a $60 million investment from the state of Indiana, the facility will be home to the Convergent Bioscience and Technology Institute and the Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing. Both institutes are part of a broader $250 million initiative from IU to establish Indiana as a national leader in bioscience innovation.

Executive Director Chia-Ying “James” Lin highlighted the role the building will play in advancing bioscience research: “The new STEM Lab Building will serve as the physical and intellectual nucleus for the Convergent Bioscience and Technology Institute’s four technological pillars: sensing technologies, new implantables, molecular assessments and smart drug delivery. Purpose-built research cores — from biofabrication and optics labs to advanced computational and wet-lab spaces — will enable transformative discoveries at the interface of biology, engineering and medicine.”

“This facility empowers us to accelerate translational research and drive forward the next generation of adaptive, patient-centered health care solutions,” Lin added.

The expansion also includes major upgrades to existing School of Science buildings, with about three dozen labs across disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences undergoing renovations. These upgrades will involve modernizing infrastructure and introducing state-of-the-art equipment.

“The new interdisciplinary research building and renovations to existing laboratory spaces will ensure continued academic and research success and growth opportunities for students, faculty and staff in the years ahead,” said John F. DiTusa, dean of the IU School of Science in Indianapolis. “These renovations will further allow our researchers to explore innovative areas of study and emerging disciplines, while advancing scientific discoveries.”

The new building is expected to enhance IU’s collaboration with the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB), further cementing its position as a trailblazer in health and technology research. The STEM Lab Building’s location near the future James T. Morris Arena will also enable new research initiatives in human performance and sports science.

Originally reported by Teresa Mackin in News at IU.