A new era of scientific innovation began at the University of Arizona on Oct. 24 when a ribbon was cut in the lobby of the Grand Challenges Research Building.

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella said he expects the facility, also known as the GCRB, to play a pivotal role advancing fields such as optical sciences, health care and space exploration.

"This facility was purpose-designed to foster interdisciplinary research, and the technological innovations arising from the work conducted here will fundamentally shape the future of our community, the state and the world," Garimella said.

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The seven-story, 115,000-square-foot facility is located north of the Cherry Avenue Garage and connects via walkway to the Meinel Optical Sciences Building. Housed within are laboratories, offices and research facilities for the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences and the Office of Research, Innovation and Impact, as well as cross-campus interdisciplinary programs such as the  National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks, the New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center, the Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics and the Space4 Center. 

"A building like this allows us to think about research in a very different way, because we're bringing together many different sciences – from health to sound research – and creating an opportunity for really interesting, collaborative work," said Elliott Cheu, interim senior vice president of research and innovation. "When you think about 'grand challenges,' this is work that will require people from all disciplines to address major problems facing society."

The U of A broke ground on the $99 million project in the fall of 2021. Faculty and research units moved into the building before the fall 2024 semester. ZGF Architects and BWS Architects designed the building. Kitchell Contractors Inc. was the construction firm for the project.

Garimella and Cheu cut the ribbon on the GCRB alongside Thomas L. Koch, dean of the College of Optical Sciences; JP Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation; and Dr. Michael Dake, senior vice president for health sciences.

Garimella reflected on the significance of the Grand Challenges building in maintaining the U of A's land-grant mission, emphasizing the facility's role as a foundation for future discoveries.

"It will be of great value to our educational and research endeavors and will be an important asset as we double down on our commitment to serve our land-grant mission," Garimella said.